ELBERTA, Ala. — The upcoming second annual Elberta Kids Camp was the focus of debate during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting.

The issue discussed was the amount the town would contribute to the summer camp, which is directed by Miflin Baptist Church Pastor Michael Keech.

Initially, Councilman Don Koontz proposed giving the endeavor $5,000. But that motion was voted down.

Upon explaining his reason for a no-vote, Councilman Michael Hudson said he supported providing a summer camp for Elberta area children.

“But I drive around town, looking at potholes,” he said of the town’s infrasture.

Hudson added that he plans to make a contribution, himself, to the camp.

Once the proposal failed, Koontz then suggested giving “up to $5,000” to the camp. However, legal council advised pinning a firm amount, or at least a formula in which the number of participants would determine a firm amount.

Keech then proposed a solution.

“I want to look at is as the number of kids we don’t have sponsored (the council would fund),” he said.

Upon further discussion, the council settled on contributing $3,000 to the camp.

“I like $3,000,” Mayor Marvin Williams said, “and you can carry over to next year.”

Keech agreed with that amount.

“Whatever’s left over, we use as the base for the start of the next year,” he said.

Keech said $163 is left from the 2013 camp.

“We ran last year’s camp on less than $2,500,” he said.

The Council approved the contribution of this amount, with Councilwoman Betty Wood adding a suggestion.

“We have a meeting again in June,” she said. “If they find they don’t have the kids covered, we can give them more.”

As previously reported, Keech spearheaded the camp last year, with the help of Elberta Plice Department and other organizations and residents. The day-camp, held at Elberta Centennial Kids Park, was designed to be free for participants, with sponsorships available to cover the cost of $55 per child.

During Tuesday’s Town Council workshop, Keech explained that the camp would be moved to Miflin Baptist Church so weather would not hamper activities. He added that the six-week program will begin June 7.

“This year we’re doing something different,” he said, adding that camp hours will change to 8 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays.

Another change is the meal provisions for attendees.

“They’ll get a breakfast, snack and hot lunch,” Keech said. “We’re going to be giving them two squares a day.”