Gardeners seek assistance from Danielsville

Sandra Davis of the Master Gardeners asked Danielsville council members July 12 to consider charging in-city water rates to “Victory Garden,” which is a community garden that was set up with federal stimulus money and provides fresh produce for the county food bank and senior center.

Davis noted that the $8,000 grant was initially for two years, but the gardeners have been informed by the state that the grant funds won’t be available after September and that over $400 in funds promised for water to the garden won’t be available either. The garden used 17,000 gallons of water in June at a cost of $127.

“The state changed the terms,” said Davis. “… This is leaving the Master Gardeners to pay out of pocket.”

Davis said the garden is “an extremely important project,” not only providing fresh food for the needy, but offering educational opportunities for 4-H students and others interested in learning about gardening and the increased self-sufficiency that comes with growing your own food. She said that’s a valuable skill in tough economic times.

Davis asked if the council would consider lowering the out-of-city rate to an in-city rate between May and October, when the garden would be most active.

“Otherwise, I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be able to do it,” said Davis.

City attorney Victor Johnson, a Master Gardener who has been very active in the Victory Garden project, said the reduced water rates would mean about $70 to $90 in revenue to the city per month. Davis added that there won’t be any revenue to the city from the garden if the garden can’t continue.

Council member Junne Temple said the community garden is a “good project,” but she noted that the city is in dire straits financially.

“As of June 28, there was only $3,000 in the general fund,” Temple said, adding that she doesn’t feel the city can give up any potential revenue right now.

Council member Ron Faust said the reduction of the rate for the non-profit garden shouldn’t be that big a hit on the city.
“If that amount of money is going to kill us, we’d be dead anyway,” he said.

Temple said the council could consider a donation to the garden instead of a reduced water rate. She also wanted to see what the county government can do to help the garden. The council agreed not to take any action on the matter.