Special Events Stretch City Budgets

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Special events like the Farmer's Market and Living Traditions Festival cost the city more than half a million dollars a year in extra police services, trash removal, lost parking meter revenues. City departments like Public Services and the Police Department now find themselves stretched thin absorbing those costs.

Tonight, City Public Services Director Rick Graham will ask the City Council to considered new policies that might help offset some of those costs. He is not, however, recommending the city start charging to hold events on city property. But, Graham says the costs are rising and now is a good time to reevaluate the current policy that undercharges event planners in exchange for bringing vitality to city parks. Extra police services make up half of event-related costs to the city.

If the City Council chooses to stop charging fees altogether, Graham estimates the unrecovered costs will double as more groups look to hold events on city property. On the other hand, requiring a minimal charge for basic city services during events could cut the cost-burden in half.

The City Council will consider those options during tonight's meeting at 7.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW