The Boonville City Council Monday night approved several grants from the city’s gaming fund, but not all received unanimous support. Two grants – for the Boonslick Heartland YMCA and the Friends of Historic Boonville – drew a split vote.

“I still object to this,” said representative Jim Painter regarding the $72,000 grant for the YMCA. “I think it should be cut to $20,000 to supplement memberships only. This council is remiss in not applying these funds to our operating deficit. This is the only applicant that has not been cut.” According to the ordinance allocating the funds, the money will be designated for recreational programs, including soccer, basketball and day camps. Painter drew no support from his fellow council members: the grant was approved by a 7-1 vote.

Painter also objected to a $4,000 grant for the Friends of Historic Boonville for a summer theatre camp to be held at Thespian Hall.

“I strongly object – this is a poor use of gaming money,” said Painter. “To pay $1,800 per week for a three week camp – I just can’t see it.” The measure passed by a 6-2 vote with representative Frank Shore joining Painter in voting against it.

To read the rest of the story see BDN's May 7 print edition.