VANDERBURGH CO., IN (WFIE) -
There's an effort underway to keep the Human Relations Commission fully funded next year.
One council member is calling on the city to help make up the difference in the HRC budget after county commissioners cut their contribution by 20%.
The department's budget has been cut by more than $9,000.
The Human Relations Commission investigates charges of discrimination whether it be race, color, religion, to sexuality.
Shannon Snyder says he knows all about discrimination. He says he was let go from his job once his boss found out he was bi-sexual.
"I was bad, but I knew myself that I was doing the right thing, I did my job and I did what I needed to do," Snyder said.
Snyder knows about the importance of the Human Relations Commission.
"It has to be there for people to fall back on. It's like 911, if you need help, you need help," Snyder said.
But the question is- who should pay for the department?
County commissioners say they cut funding by 20% after comments made by the HRC department's director.
"All three of us were told they don't work for us. Well, we work for the citizens of the county and if I take their money and spend it on something, it has to be something which they have a voice," said County Commissioner Marsha Abell.
HRC's Director Dianna Clements says she doesn't recall those conversations with commissioners.
City Council Member Jonathan Weaver says if the county isn't going to fund the department, the city should make up the difference.
"Everyone needs to realize the good that the HRC does and it needs to be funded. We can look at other joint departments and cut our side, our percentage down and make up for the funds that are lacking that are supposed to go to the HRC," Weaver said.
Snyder says he hopes the city comes up with the nearly $9,500 needed.
"You just got to continue on and know that you are doing the right thing," Synder said.
Jonathan Weaver says he's confident city council members will vote to make up the difference before the final budget is approved this fall.
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