Not everyone may be happy, but at least there is now a policy in place for the city to distribute its discretionary funds.

In the past, the money was distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. But there were agencies out there that felt they were eligible for funding as well.

So the city decided to use a grant process this year to distribute the $50,000 in funds. The funds were given to local organizations who meet the public purpose doctrine according to Minnesota statute.

We applaud the city for using the public purpose doctrine. And while not every group requesting funds received them, all those who met the criteria received something, though not as much as they requested. Previously, when the money was gone &045; often early in the year &045; only a few groups benefited.

This seems much more fair.

When reviewing the applications, a committee looked at the population the organization serves, its long term effect on the community, as well as current budgets and what the money would be used for.

And for next year, the grant application process will begin earlier, so organizations will know earlier what they are getting and be able to budget accordingly.

The new policy for discretionary funds may not be perfect in everyone’s eyes, but it seems to be fairer for all groups involved, and certainly a step in the right direction.