As you are already aware, each year requests from not-for-profits organizations of recognized annual special events are submitted during the city’s budget cycle in order to some extent plan for the upcoming fiscal years general fund budget. In the case of the coming fiscal year, an appropriation in the amount of $58,000 was established in order to support the following events with an in-kind contribution:
1. Chasco Fiesta – $60,000-$72,000
2. Cotee River Bike Fest – $15,000
3. Holiday Street Parade - $14,000
For your reference, I have indicated next to the event name the amount of funding that the organization is requesting to support their event. As you can see, the amount of funding being requested by the event organizers exceeds the amount of funding that was budgeted to support the special events. In order to truly evaluate the impact of these special events to the community, it is important to reflect on not only the amount of community support for the event, economic benefit to the business community but also the charitable benefit to city residents. Therefore please review the attached applications and consider the recommendation as follows:
1. Chasco Fiesta – $34,000
2. Cotee River Bike Fest - $12,000
3. Holiday Street Parade - $12,000
Please note that the Fourth of July Celebration is not noted as it is only a one-day event and Mr. John Gilliss of Friendly KIA assumes the responsibility for the majority of hard costs associated with the event and the City in turn handles the costs associated with staffing the event.