DuPage likely to extend SCARCE funding

DuPage County Board members are expected to vote next week on a plan to extend the county's long-running partnership with a Glen Ellyn-based conservation group until the organization finds new sources of revenue.

Officials had considered the possibility of not renewing the county's contract with Schools and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education, or SCARCE, because of a lack of available cash in DuPage's economic development and planning fund. The existing pact expires June 30.

But under a new proposal the county board's environmental committee reviewed Tuesday, SCARCE would be paid up to $195,000 to provide environmental education services between July 1 and Nov. 30, 2013. Money for the contract extension would come from another part of the county's budget.

If the deal is approved by the full county board, SCARCE would continue to provide a variety of programs, including hosting recycling events and helping businesses and schools become more eco-friendly.

SCARCE representatives also would have time to develop plans to wean the nonprofit group off county funding.

“It gives them roughly a year and half to work on structure,” county board member Jeff Redick said, “to implement some of the changes that would benefit their program and provide them with a more stable, long-term business approach.”

SCARCE founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen said she's “very happy” with the proposed contract extension, which would provide a significant portion of the group's $325,000 annual budget.

“We're ready to work,” McKeen said. “We've got lots of projects that are in the works. Now we can move forward.”

In addition, SCARCE is expected to get more support from another county source. The county board's stormwater committee is recommending that the group receive $70,000 from DuPage's stormwater fund, an increase of $9,500.

“They've done a good job for us on our water education stuff,” Jim Zay, the chairman of the county board's stormwater committee, said. “Our money is being well spent.”

In the meantime, McKeen said she realizes county officials want SCARCE to raise more money. She said the group already is brainstorming ideas for fundraisers.

County board member Dirk Enger said what's important is that SCARCE continue its educational efforts without interruption. “It's a very needed resource in this county,” he said.