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But as of right now, the foundation board has delivered a hard line to Merrymount: its annual installments must decrease to keep the multi-million fund “sustainable” over the long term.

Without a change, the fund would be depleted in a decade, Merrymount officials warned. The goal for the foundation — and a common model for similar funds that fuel charity work — is to use the interest or earnings from its fund to support the agency’s program, but not touch the bulk of the capital.

That’s what drove Merrymount to appeal to city council earlier this month, asking for more than $600,000 over two years, what it called “bridge funding” to help save crucial community services and programs until the organization can balance its books.

So far, there’s been no political move to fork over the cash. At a full-day budget meeting Jan. 24, city treasurer Anna Lisa Barbon told politicians there really isn’t an appropriate source of funds at city hall, other than a reserve fund with a balance of about $800,000.

With the operating budget already debated, it’s unlikely a motion to fulfil Merrymount’s ask will be tabled, but there is still a chance for politicians to raise the issue — including on Monday when politicians return to continue discussing capital budget changes.

“I recognize that the foundation is running like an endowment, and there is hesitancy to draw down the capital balance from that — especially in an environment where getting returns on your investment might be challenging,” budget chair Josh Morgan said.