Mayor encourages donations to city's community fund

Cortland's foundation is patterned after one operated in Salem.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- Mayor Curt Moll has a good place for those who want to donate or leave money to the city: the Cortland Community Fund.
"It gives the community the opportunity to contribute to the benefit of the community," Moll said. "It's to improve the quality of life."
Developing the nonprofit foundation, incorporated in 2005, has been a slow process. It received its nonprofit status in 2006.
The 59-year-old mayor is in the final year of a four-year term.
He explained how William Sasse, a member of the city's planning, zoning and building committee, came up with the idea in 2004.
Involved in forming the foundation besides Moll and Sasse have been Charles Peck, another planning committee member; Mike Norton, parks and recreation board member; resident Ernest Hyyti; and businessman Mike Billock.
A 19-member foundation board is now being assembled to essentially consider grant applications for funds from the city, individuals or groups.
"It's a broad-based board to oversee it," Moll said, noting members will include a broad spectrum of groups -- such as Lakeview High School's senior class and the Regional Chamber.
Until now, Moll explained, fund-raising events have been used to buy Christmas lighting and develop a small park on Main Street.
Not much money yet
The foundation now doesn't have much money. But it is serving as the depository for contributions to buy a city clock. City Councilman James Woofter started the effort to raise 17,000 to buy a 15 1/2-foot clock for Point Park at state Route 5 and Wall Drive.
"It will be years before we can start to do big projects," Moll said. "We're first raising capital."
Foundations are highly competitive for donations, the mayor explained. There are more than 470 community foundations in the U.S.
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the foundation for general purposes or for a specific project. It serves as a community savings account and contributions are invested to build. The board can then use the investment income to help meet the most pressing needs of the community.
"It makes it easier to manage money," the mayor said.
Some areas where the money can be spent are equipment for parks and schools; scholarships for local students; biking and walking trails; grants to assist service clubs and churches in the community; community, senior and youth centers; recreational facilities; and to support arts, historic preservation and community events.
Those interested in donating to the fund can call (330) 637-4003 or sent contributions to the foundation, 400 N. High St., Cortland, OH 44410.
yovich@vindy.com