Weed and Seed Prepares for Second Year's Budget


(posted Dec 11)

Eagledale Lafayette Square Weed and Seed Committee approved of their 2008-2009 budget to be submitted to the Department of Justice. The proposed $250,000 budget must be submitted by January 15 to receive funding.

The items in the budget included office space, WiFi technology and re-entry case manager position. Barbara Rogers of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department explained $6,000 rent will be dedicated for Weed and Seed Executive Director Scott Rosenberger to have an office at the Eagledale Northwest Community Center at 5701 W. 34th Street. The office can also serve as a safe haven and a hot spot for wireless technology.

Rosenberger explained that only 20 percent of Eagledale residents have internet service. He thought the wireless service would be a community asset to help residents receive computer training and to make anonymous crime tips. Based on a crime tip, IMPD Northwest officers seized 8.5 grams of crack cocaine, 28 grams of marijuana, two handguns, and $1,400 cash. The seizure resulted with four arrests at 4463 Brookhollow Blvd #192.

The budget also included $20,000 for a re-entry case manager to guide ex-offenders into the job market. Mark Killgo insisted there is a need for case manager after attending a meeting in the area concerning ex-offenders. He also wants to meet with IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White to develop a truancy program that won't expel kids completely from school, but place them in an alternative program.

"There are also a high number of juveniles that have been stopped that have been either suspended or expelled from school. We believe many of our crimes are being committed by these individuals," said IMPD Northwest District Commander Major Paul Ciesielski.

Harry Simpson did not think the case manager would have enough work to justify the $20,000. However, Rev. Steve Horsman argued that statistics indicate that it takes about $30,000 a year to house an inmate, so if a case worker saves one ex-offender from returning to jail, the position has saved the taxpayer $10,000.

The next meeting is January 8 at 5701 W. 34th Street at 6 pm.