The sometimes controversial fee for service agreements the town has with several entities will likely be a key element of town budget discussions, as staff is recommending some of the funding be cut in half, while others show no increase or decrease.

The three agencies that can expect cuts this year under Town Manager Ken Buchanan’s recommendations include the Boys & Girls Club, $80,000 to $40,000; Extended Hands Food Bank, $30,250 to $15,000; and the Fountain Hills Theater, $72,240 to $36,000.

Buchanan is recommending there be no change in funding for the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Bureau ($103,000), the JumpStartBiz business incubator ($4,500) and the Fountain Hills Sheriff’s Posse ($15,000).

The theater is in fact the only entity making a request that was smaller than what it received for the current fiscal year. They are asking for $72,000, where this year’s allocation was $72,240.

The theater has had a contract for arts and cultural services within the Community Services budget for a number of years. Town participation also includes leasing the town-owned buildings to the theater group for a nominal fee.

The food bank made a request that was equal to this year’s funding ($30,250).

Extended Hands Food Bank is a non-profit entity that has operated in Fountain Hills since 2004. The funding from the town is used for lease payments and utilities to avoid potential town conflicts with faith-related programs.

The Boys & Girls Club received $80,000 for the current year and asked for $100,000 for the upcoming year.

The Boys & Girls provides additional youth recreation services for the town and has for a number of years.

The McKee Branch in Fountain Hills is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.

The tourism bureau has been budgeted at $103,000, the same as what was allocated for this fiscal year. The bureau had requested $125,000.

JumpStartBiz has made a request for $25,000, but staff is recommending the funding remain the same as this year at $4,500.

The Sheriff’s Posse made a request for $30,000, and staff is recommending the funding remain the same as this year, $15,000.

The budget conversation begins today, May 1, with a public open house beginning at 4:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The council holds a special session to begin discussions starting at 5:30 p.m.