Dewey officials make complaints about needing to ask for $10K from fundraiser
DEWEY BEACH — Although more than $10,000 was raised for the police department and beach patrol at the town’s recent Winter Gala hosted by Jim Baeurle of Ruddertowne and Steve “Monty” Montgomery of the Starboard, some say the restaurateurs aren’t living up to their end of the bargain.
Instead of being handed the cash donation, officials need to request money for specific purchases within their department at the discretion of Montgomery and Baeurle.
Baeurle said the money raised will go to the correct departments, but there has been some confusion on how the money will be siphoned to the police and lifeguards.
“We raised the money, and we want to give it to the police department and the lifeguards,” he said. “We’re waiting for direction on what to do with it. The fundraiser was always intended to go to those organizations; it was never intended to be (just for the town of Dewey Beach).”
Resident Joy Howell said she doesn’t think these public service agencies should have to go “on bended knee” asking for money which was raised for them in the first place.
“It was a good idea, and I supported the police and lifeguard fundraiser,” she said. “I donated money to the fund for the mayor’s recent trip. However, it would be good to have more transparency in permits and financial reporting for any charitable events.”
Commissioner Rich Hane-winckel said he too has heard some mixed reaction.
“I know there’s been some discussion on the process that’s in place … some think the best way to handle it is for the host of the charity event to turn the money over to the town with essentially an earmark,” Hanewinckel said. “It’s a bit of a tough dilemma … I know some taxpayers are wondering why the restaurant and bar owners want control.”
Hanewinckel said last year the police department needed money for a special kind of jacket, and community help was sought.
“There was basically a plea out there for donations … and people donated maybe $50, $100 or $150 dollars … and they raised enough for the jackets and used the money just for that,” he said. “Let’s face it, the (police department) will be very diligent in reporting back to the bar owners with what they used the money for … they’re not going to try to kill the golden goose.”
Hanewinckel said he’s “really glad” they raised what they raised.
“I just don’t know that they’re going about it in a way that I or anyone else would want to go about it,” he said.
ksmith@dmg.gannett.com