Greene County Commission member s will be asked at their Feb. 16 meeting whether they would like to personally make contributions to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

After various budget-related resolutions had been considered at Thursday's meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee, Commissioner Bill Dabbs brought up the subject of donations to Haiti, which he had first raised at the county commission's January meeting.

Dabbs said at the January meeting that he would ask the budget committee to consider contributing $20,000 in county funds to help relieve suffering and help Haiti rebuild after the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Dabbs did not mention that figure during Thursday's meeting, and said afterward that he did not find much support for that idea.

However, he said several people he had talked to suggested that county commissioners consider making contributions as individuals.

Dabbs said he would "be happy to donate what I receive" for attending commission meetings for a month, if other commissioners would be willing to do the same.

"I think the Lord would smile upon us" if that happens, Dabbs said.

County Mayor Alan Broyles commended Dabbs for the idea, saying, "Personally, I don't have any problems with giving."

Commissioner John Cox said, "The people of Greene County have risen to the occasion and given tens of thousands of dollars" to various Haiti relief efforts.

But Cox also said that many have told him that tax money should be used to help Greene Countians.

After more discussion, Broyles said commissioners should be encouraged to donate directly to the local chapter of the American Red Cross, designating the money for Haiti.

He suggested a "pledge sheet" be passed around at the Feb. 16 commission meeting.

However, Budget Director Mary Shelton said she did not think that the amount any one commissioner gives or does not give should be made public.