Staying anonymous with Brad Stafford

In this edition of Grilling Stafford, Navasota City Manager Brad Stafford addresses monetary donations – particularly anonymous. Hear what Stafford says about the way donations are handled.

Also, learn the answers to all user-submitted questions asked by Navasota Examiner Publisher Ana Cosino and Willy 98.7 Radio Host Kenny Graves.

Highlights from Grilling Stafford – Episode 63

How much does the city spend for postage each month? “We got asked last week how much money the city spends monthly on postage, Lance looked that up for me and it’s about $400 a month.”

Has Taco Bell approached the city with any new proposals for a location in Navasota? “No. Taco Bell has not approached us. They told us back then when they were talking with us that the location they wanted was at the intersection of SH 90 and Highway 6. They have not changed their mind yet. We’ve talked to them, but they have not approached us about any other location.”

There is a new subdivision coming to Navasota that will have over 100 lots on it - where will that be located? “That is on North LaSalle near Jarvis Tire.”

Donations to the City: If the City has received any non-monetary donations what are some examples? “Well, we get services-in-kind and work-in-kind donations. If you remember just two weeks ago, we had a company power washing sidewalks - they did that as a donation. We’ve had a lot of folks that have donated to certain events. They’ll donate dumpsters, trash cans, trash bags, or t-shirts for an event. The Pretty City Committee is a prime example, the bright yellow t-shirts were provided by Twin Oaks. There’s a lot of different things people do to help out, that saves taxpayer dollars and still provide equipment and services that we need.”

Can a person donate money to something specific other than the Fire and Parks Departments shown on the City bill? Can the City receive a donation and keep it anonymous if requested? “Yes, to all of those answers. We do receive donations that people specify go to the animal shelter, the library or anything. It doesn’t matter they can tell us anything they want, we keep up with it, we track it. Yes, they can do an anonymous donation. Even if their name is on a check and they request for it to be anonymous, we don’t put any information out that says their name.”

If an anonymous donation is received, what happens to the money or equipment? “Well, if its anonymous and it specifies where it goes, we take it and utilize it at the department that it needs to be utilized in or for the specific use whatever that is. We just don’t recognize the individual. We love to recognize people that donate because it really means a lot, but I understand there are folks that don’t really want the publicity. We understand and honor any request that people have if they’re willing to donate.”

To view the full video of Grilling Stafford – Episode 63, or to watch archived episodes, visit The Examiner website, www.navasotaexaminer.com. If you would like to submit a question for Grilling Stafford, email news@navasota examiner.com. New episodes of Grilling Stafford are released every Thursday.