” Bureaucracy, the rule of no one, has become the modern form of despotism,” – Mary McCarthy, in New Yorker
What happens when your local nonprofit organizations disappear?
What happens if your local government extorts money from businesses, ” for the good of the public?
This ideology is increasing in the City of Colusa with its government run, sponsored, hosted, and coordinated events. Most wont argue that these events are fun and provide a needed opportunity for things to do in the community, but at what cost?
In an email obtained in a public records request by the Pioneer Review, City Manager Jesse Cain said, ” According to the IRS all local government agencies are a 501c nonprofit, although we pay sales tax we are still considered a nonprofit.” However, this is lawfully untrue.
The city is not a non-profit organization, they are a not-for-profit sovereign government entity ” big difference.
A non-profit, 501(c)(3) is a legal private entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit through benefactors, contributions, and fundraising activities. Generally, all contributions made to a 501(c)(3) are tax-deductible, unless you receive a good or service in return. Ask your tax professional, they can explain it in more detail.
A city is a government entity that operates through funds generated by taxes and fees for services provided. Contributions and donations are most likely not deductible, as contributions to a government entity can be construed as a political contribution unless proper tax forms and written documentation are provided. Again, ask your tax professional for more information.
While these concerts and festivals are fun to attend, who is the beneficiary?
Most definitely not the 6th grade Woodleaf (Shady Creek) students, the animal shelter, the library, literacy programs, the garden club, or the Catholic school. These government events and activities are not helping the philanthropic needs of our local veterans organizations, nor with the Rotary and Lions Club community service projects.
The only beneficiary is the city coffers, employee wages, and bonuses. At the end of the day, why should you volunteer your time when city staff are paid – and your tax dollars are helping to fund these activities? It’s not going towards philanthropic efforts – only high paid salaries and lifetime retirement benefits to the elite few.
City officials will gaslight the public with smoke and mirrors on this deteriorating road of government run festivals, car shows, and music concerts ” after all, they have their hand in the cookie jar.
If you ask a resident in Colusa County, they will proudly say our community steps up in the time of need and supports their local non-profit groups and organizations. However, what are we accomplishing by supporting and participating in these government efforts? In my opinion, you are pulling at the thread of the fabric that holds this community together ” after all, if someone is getting paid to work these events, why should you volunteer?
The City of Colusa ” fundraised” about $75,000 in donations from several businesses; however, where is the transparency? Simply listing the names is not enough. Cain said, in an email obtained by the Pioneer Review, that the City has always accepted donations and gave an example of concerts in the park and senior luncheons. However, historically, the City publicly announced the concerts in advance and opened donations to the public – not by direct solicitation. Cain also said that there was no ” quid pro quo; however, many of these donors will have items coming before the planning department or the city council itself. And why did Communications and Tourism Director Kristy Levings send a text message to Cain on July 12, stating: ” Intero, They nees (sic) to give a bunch of money too.” What is the City plotting to hold over Intero? What promises were they going to make for giving ” a bunch of money?” I smell extortion.
The City of Colusa does not have a donation policy; and according to their employee handbook, it is against policy for employees to accept or solicit donations, tips, or gratuities on behalf of the city ” so how, and why, are city employees soliciting donations?
With donors willing to belly-up and pocket out these high dollar donations to the City of Colusa, why cant these donors contribute to our local non-profits? What makes the city events more earthshaking and philanthropic than a non-profit? I am sure the Friends of the Colusa County Library, or the Colusa Rotary, or the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce could do far more with those funds than the City ever could.
To the City of Colusa: why dont you open these events and activities to participation from the list of 50 non-profit organizations in your city? In an email obtained by the Pioneer Review, Cain said, ” I would love it if another organization would put these on, but I don’t see that happening.
The city is in the process of taking on the California Duck Calling Championships as an event to be renamed ” Duck Days.” This event historically benefits local businesses with ties to elected officials. While an eye roll may be ” unprofessional,” the citys participation is unethical – no quacks about it.
City officials will argue that they legally can host these events and bolster their chests to the public; however, ” An ethical person ought to do more than hes required to do and less than he is allowed to do.” (Michael Josephson)
If Colusa continues down this unbridled path of government fundraisers, you can surely kiss your non-profit organizations goodbye. In an era where the citizenry demands entitlements to events and activities, indignant efforts will only propagate corruption. –