Although it wasn't the full grant Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections was hoping for, Courtenay council increased a suggested one-time $3,850 grant to $9,000 to support the organization's budget Monday.Following a presentation to council March 21, the group requested council consider providing a grant of $18,987 towards their program budget of $30,737. A recommendation by staff was made that council deny grant funding for the core operating costs of wages and consultant fees and that a one-off grant funding of $3,850 be approved to cover the cost of program supplies and facility rentals."No doubt (what Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections) is doing is commendable and there's no arguing that. On one hand, they've come forward with their request for funds and it's a considerable amount of money and a part of it is to hire people for a co-ordination or facilitation function. On the other hand, they have a requirement to buy physical program supplies and to rent space to conduct their programs. Those two things are quite separate and distinct in my mind," said Coun. Jon Ambler. "I'm not eager for the taxpayers paying for them to hire a co-ordinator or facilitator. On the other hand, I'm quite happy to vote in favour of $3,850 for the program supplies and facility rentals. That's more balance and more sustainable and better received throughout the community," he added.Coun. Doug Hillian noted the money would come from gambling revenues rather than from the taxpayer."In my view, this is a very appropriate use for gaming revenues. Here we have an initiative which attempts to build a strong and healthy community ... in particular I'm impressed with the residents' willingness to engage in crime reduction and co-operate fully with the RCMP in an area of the community that certainly through their presentation demonstrated that is an issue," he said, adding he would support increasing the one-off funding grant.Coun. Murray Presley expressed concerns about other areas of the city, and looking after their needs as well."We have to be very careful that if we commit to this, then we should be prepared to look at other areas that come in front of us. I think we have to be a little bit conservative here ... supplies, facility rentals, I can one-off as suggested, I can live with that. I'm reluctant to spend any more money on this one particular area," he said."As well deserved as the area is, as a result of all the work that's been put in by all of the volunteers, we have to look after the whole city, disaster preparedness for the whole city, not just this area."Mayor Greg Phelps indicated he supported increasing the grant as to not discourage the group, and noted other requests can be examined on an individual basis."The only concern I have is that we discourage this group and they might simply fold their tents and go away. They are quite far into the process and that would be a shame," he noted."I'm thinking we might have four or five other requests and they would also go through a process similar to this ... I would like to see this figure rounded up slightly to see some breathing room ... I'd like to see a little bit more support in there. We all agree it's a good idea, but I don't want to strangle it by not giving it sufficient grounds to gain any traction," Phelps added.Council voted unanimously on the amended $9,000 motion.photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com