Salvation Army’s office in Quincy conflicts with potential credit union location

During a recent meeting of the City of Quincy Commissioners, the old NetQuincy building was approved as the potential move-in location for a locally-owned credit union in Gadsden County.

However, the Salvation Army of Tallahassee was recently given permission by Charles Hayes, the city’s acting building and planning director, to move into the NetQuincy building prior to the introduction of the credit union.

Hayes gave his permission to the Salvation Army before receiving approval from the city’s commission.

Dr. Beverly Nash, the city’s grants coordinator, told the commissioners the organization moved into the building in May.

“The concern that I’m having right now is that we just agreed for a possible credit union to enter that space and I’m sure that area will probably be the area that would be most beneficial for them,” Mayor Ronte Harris said to Nash.

Harris asked if there is other usable space in the building.

Nash said there is space available on the opposite side, but that the Salvation Army is currently using the drive-through portion of the building.

Commissioner Keith Dowdell also said his concern was if the city allows the Salvation Army to use the old NetQuincy building, that would put them in conflict with allowing the credit union to use the space.

The city’s attorney said the agreement states that the city can get out of the agreement with a 30-day notice.

Harris asked if the city was agreeing to a specific location, or if they were just agreeing to provide space.

Roberts said the city was just agreeing to provide space.

Harris asked if the city could move the Salvation Army into Quincy City Hall, if necessary, and Nash said the city could do that.

“How do we allow a group to come in, set up business, and then bring it to us for approval?” Grant Sapp asked, regarding the decision being made to allow the Salvation Army to settle in without city approval.

Nash said she couldn’t answer that.

“I’m just facilitating what needs to happen,” Nash added.

City Manager Jack McLean said at first the agreement was month-to-month, but that he also was under the understanding that the Salvation Army’s move into the NetQuincy building had been brought to the commission's attention.

McLean said the commissioners had not given their formal approval, but according to McLean, the commissioners had been made aware of Salvation Army move into the building.

Grant Sapp asked if there is another space in the building that the Salvation Army can use if the state’s auditors determine there is a conflict by them being in the same building as the People’s Credit Union.

McLean said he was not ready to answer the question, but he had spoken with Gadsden County Commissioner Kimblin NeSmith and the Community Redevelopment Agency (who are presenting the credit union), and McLean said it was not the intent to move anybody out of the building, but that a rearrangement and restructuring could be done to keep everyone in the building.

“I know we really wanted the Community Redevelopment Agency to be in that building, and I appreciate them being there, but we’ll work around whatever we need to work around,” Grant Sapp said.

Commissioner Freida Bass-Prieto requested, in the future, that she would like the city manager to contact the commissioners so they will have some knowledge of actions being taken.

“I don’t like approving things after the fact,” Bass-Prieto added.

The commissioner unanimously voted to partner with The Salvation Army to sponsor Project Helping Hands, which will provide emergency social services to citizens of Gadsden County.

The project, which began in May, will continue until May 2023.

The Salvation Army of Tallahassee will provide the following services for Gadsden County

residents:

Utility bill payments - Payment of one full month of utility service, with no financial cap

or limitation. The Salvation Army of Tallahassee will pay the current month’s bill. Any past due amount beyond the current month’s bill must be paid before services are provided. No past due balances will be paid.

Food services – The Salvation Army will provide food bags for individuals and families. The bags will consist of food purchased from America’s Second Harvest. Clothing services – Clients will receive vouchers that total $30 to purchase two shirts, two pairs of pants or skirts, one pair of shoes and a coat (seasonally as available).

Additionally, The Salvation Army will also provide furniture/household vouchers, diaper/infant items, Angel Tree Bags (Christmas Assistance Program), and personal comfort (hygiene) kits, among a list of other services.

The Salvation Army has allocated $81,8000 for the Project Helping Hands.

The organization will service 1000 clients per year during the 2-year timeframe.

The City of Quincy agreed to provide the physical space, utilities and internet services as an in-kind donation to the project.

The Salvation Army is located at 320 West Jefferson Street, and is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to

3:30 pm.

Nash said the Salvation Army accepts walk-ins and appointments.

Erin Hill - Gadsden County News Service

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