by SC Reporter Ariadna Ampudia
The Sanibel Recreation Financial Assitance Committee announced new additions to the financial assistance application for a reduction in Recreation Center program fees, during the committee’s December meeting, held at City Hall.
The Sanibel Recreation Center, located on Sanibel Captiva Road and next to The Sanibel School, is known for its numerous youth and sport programs. Qualified applicants can apply for reduced fees or charges for certain programs at the Recreation Center.
Changes to the application include a new section with questions involving child support and a percentage of court ordered shared child expenses. The application has also gone through a change of wording, described as a “new concept” in calculating wages, said Recreation Center Director Trish Phillips.
The committee will calculate the federal income tax withheld rather than the federal tax refund. The official tax credit issued section will also be changed to federal income tax return.
“We went over the application and this was what was ultimately decided upon regarding revisions,” said Barry Roth, chairman of the Recreation Financial Assistance Committee.
Roth added after many hours of deliberation, the committee ultimately decided to revise the application. Despite the new additions, the committee will give a more in-depth review of special circumstances on a case-by-case basis, he said.
A counselor in training program has been added to the list of programs at the Recreation Center, as well.
New requirement set for summer camp applicants and application approved
Sanibel Recreation Center Director Trish Phillips revealed to committee members during her director’s report, a new requirement of an updated wage statement will be required for applicants when applying to enroll their children in the Recreation Center’s summer camp program.
Instead of applicants submitting another application for children to attend summer camp at the Recreation Center, only one application will be needed, as used in prior programs such as the after-school program.
“This is going to keep us up to date and well informed,” said Phillips. She said providing an updated income statement will allow the committee to verify the incomes of those applying for summer camp has not changed, prior to their child joining.
Also, a new application has been approved for financial assistance by the Recreation Financial Assistance committee. The applicant qualified for 75 percent of assistance and will be granted additional aid and reduced fees.
Council Accepts Resignation of Tighe from Committee
The Sanibel City Council accepted the resignation of Recreation Financial Assistance Committee member Alicia Tighe during the council’s Jan. 4 meeting.
In her resignation letter submitted in December, Tighe, former executive director of FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, expressed her appreciation for being able to spend her time on such an “important” committee as well as the “honor and faith” installed within her position.
Tighe stated in her letter she and her family will be moving from Sanibel this month as the reason for her departure from the committee.
“I’d like to reiterate my gratitude for my appointment to this committee,” Tighe said. “The commitment the council has to the community is as singular as the island itself.”
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