Community service fund committee refunded $98,510 in District 52 cash

Former Long-time District 52 Representative John Rogers is sitting in a federal prison. He pleaded guilty to stealing $200,000 in community cash set aside for a youth baseball league. Last Tuesday, voters picked Kelvin Datcher as Rogers' replacement. He said he is fully aware of the crimes which vacated the seat he now holds.“Our district is really shortchanged in terms of those funds for the last 3 or 4 years in terms of some of those dollars, you know, misappropriated, mis-allocated,” Datcher said.Every year, each Jefferson County House District receives about $100,000 to spend on qualified causes through a community service fund. However, since Rogers was indicted on corruption charges last fall, District 52's share went unspent for 2024 and had to be refunded to Jefferson County. “Then two weeks ago, the committee which manages the Jefferson County Community Service Fund sent the County Commission that leftover cash. It also requested for that $98,510 be returned to them so Datcher can use it to help the long-deprived citizens of his new district.Attorney Michael Brymer authored the letter and claims the committee believes that cash should be spent on District 52 needs.“The committee feels that the balance of those funds has been unable to reach the citizens,” Brymer said.If the county agrees to return the money, Datcher pledges to spend it wisely.“I am who I am. I think I'm an incredibly transparent. People see me, people know me. And we'll make sure that we, you know, display very loudly, exactly where those dollars are going to go,” Datcher said.The Jefferson County Commission has yet to take action on the Community Service Fund Committee’s request.