Grant Program Under Fire

Shelby County commissioners are locked in a heated debate over the future of the Milton Community Enhancement Grant Program, which funnels $260K per commissioner to local nonprofits — but now faces scrutiny after a former commissioner was caught in a federal tax evasion scandal. Critics say the program has grown too big and is vulnerable to misuse, while supporters defend it as essential for community services. Commissioner Mills wants to scrap it entirely, citing partisan divides and growing abuse, while a new ordinance co-sponsored by her aims to tighten oversight, reporting, and eligibility rules to prevent shell companies and favoritism. The stakes are high: can these reforms restore public trust — or is the program beyond saving? Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b49759af07f82e38