City continues to subsidize SotC Festival

The Standin' on the Corner Festival is worth its weight in bed taxes.

That was the message SotC Foundation President Glenn Howeth gave to City Council on Tuesday (Aug. 9). The Foundation has organized the annual event since 1999.

The organization hires musicians, vendors and contracts with Waste Management for garbage service and public restrooms.

However, to cover costs for police and road crews' overtime and insurance, the Foundation requested the city provide a $5,000 cash contribution plus out-of-cost expenses.

Last year, those expenses amounted to an additional $12,918.44 from the city's Special Events account. Expenses included $2,358.40 to Waste Management for additional cleanup and porta-johns, $3,547.60 for HURF overtime and $2,724.58 for police officers' overtime.

In a letter to the Council, the Foundation pleaded its case, "the festival is our only fundraiser, besides the sale of engraved bricks and merchandise. We are committed to achieve many projects to enhance Winslow once we can get the Corner Park back to what it was."

Council member Judy Howell tried to amend the motion to approve the financial request by limiting total funding to $10,000. Her amendment died due to a lack of support.

Council approved the $5,000 donation plus unlimited out-of-pocket expenses, 6-1, with Howell dissenting.

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read