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The board of directors for Sierra Services for the Blind has suspended its executive director of 14 years, Richard Crandall, because of a budget shortfall. The board made the decision during its monthly meeting on Tuesday.
"Richard did a terrific job. We just can't see where his next check is coming from. It was the most logical place to cut," said board member Greg Fowler.
With an annual budget of $103,000, Sierra Services for the Blind provides more than 350 blind and visually impaired clients with education, counseling and transportation. More than 90 percent of its clients are senior citizens, and 70 percent live below the poverty level. For the past five years, the nonprofit has been in a financial crisis, said Fowler, using money from fundraisers to pay past debts rather than add to its coffers. Only with the help of a few large corporate gifts was the group able to make ends meet.
Instead of cutting services to clients, Fowler said, the board decided to suspend the position of executive director temporarily, reducing its staff to two full-time employees. Crandall's salary was about one-third of the organization's budget, according to Fowler. The board is also looking into renting a cheaper office space or sharing an office with another group to further offset overhead costs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Crandall wrote, "The board of directors has made it clear that the client is the primary consideration. When cuts have to be made, sometimes it isn't easy."
Crandall's responsibilities as executive director included grant writing, managing the staff and coordinating publicity for events.
Sierra Services for the Blind will host its annual $100-a-plate abalone banquet on Sept. 23 at the Miners Foundry. For tickets or more information, call 265-2121.
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To contact staff writer Jill Bauerle, e-mail jillb@theunion.com or call 477-4219.
"Richard did a terrific job. We just can't see where his next check is coming from. It was the most logical place to cut," said board member Greg Fowler.
With an annual budget of $103,000, Sierra Services for the Blind provides more than 350 blind and visually impaired clients with education, counseling and transportation. More than 90 percent of its clients are senior citizens, and 70 percent live below the poverty level. For the past five years, the nonprofit has been in a financial crisis, said Fowler, using money from fundraisers to pay past debts rather than add to its coffers. Only with the help of a few large corporate gifts was the group able to make ends meet.
Instead of cutting services to clients, Fowler said, the board decided to suspend the position of executive director temporarily, reducing its staff to two full-time employees. Crandall's salary was about one-third of the organization's budget, according to Fowler. The board is also looking into renting a cheaper office space or sharing an office with another group to further offset overhead costs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Crandall wrote, "The board of directors has made it clear that the client is the primary consideration. When cuts have to be made, sometimes it isn't easy."
Crandall's responsibilities as executive director included grant writing, managing the staff and coordinating publicity for events.
Sierra Services for the Blind will host its annual $100-a-plate abalone banquet on Sept. 23 at the Miners Foundry. For tickets or more information, call 265-2121.
ooo
To contact staff writer Jill Bauerle, e-mail jillb@theunion.com or call 477-4219.
