Citing budget concerns, the Pierce County Council has rejected a request to provide nearly $20,000 in funding to a local nonprofit.

On Tuesday, a council resolution that would have released the money to Centro Latino failed by a vote of 3-4.

The council originally included nearly $30,000 in its 2009 budget for Centro Latino, which provides job training, youth mentoring and other services to the local Latino community and others in need.

But in November the council froze that funding in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit’s former director, who claimed she was wrongfully fired when she questioned improper behavior by a board member. The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in November.

In freezing the money, council members said they wanted to make sure it was spent wisely. Since then, county budget cuts have reduced the money proposed for Centro Latino to $19,259.

Last month it appeared the council was inclined to release the money. Centro Latino officials addressed the council’s rules committee and said the director’s accusations were unfounded. The committee approved a resolution releasing the money.

But on Tuesday, a majority of the council voted against releasing the money.

Councilwoman Joyce McDonald, R-Puyallup, who voted against the funding, said she wanted to see a written report from the nonprofit. She also cited ongoing budget problems, noting the county has cut spending on the Sheriff’s Department and other core functions.

Councilman Terry Lee, R-Gig Harbor, also cited “concerns that $19,000 in this budget environment isn’t a good use of public funds.”

Councilman Tim Farrell, D-Tacoma, voted to approve the money. He said Centro Latino provides many needed services. And he said last month’s report to the rules committee fulfilled council requirements for releasing the funds.

David Artis, chairman of the board at Centro Latino, said he was stunned by the council vote.

“We were told it was a matter of formality, that it would go through,” he said of the funding.

Artis said the nonprofit has a budget of nearly $750,000. The county funding is a small part of that. But Artis said the money already has been budgeted and spent.

“We’re going to have to really tighten up our belts now,” he said.

Artis said he planned to contact the council to see what the organization can do to restore funding.

David Wickert: 253-274-7341

david.wickert@thenewstribune.com

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