Berkeley Council discusses funding for Solano Stroll event amid budget concerns

Albany City Council members are grappling with the financial implications of supporting the upcoming Solano Stroll event, as discussions during the April 7 meeting highlighted the need for careful budgeting amid potential economic downturns.

Vice Mayor McQuade emphasized the importance of economic development to sustain the city’s budget, suggesting that funding for local events like the Solano Stroll is crucial, especially in uncertain times. “This kind of economic development is more rather than less needed,” McQuade stated, advocating for the allocation of $15,000 to support the event, which he believes will boost local businesses.

Council members expressed concerns about the financial strain of the event, with some cautioning against overcommitting funds that could jeopardize essential services for vulnerable community members. One council member noted, “We do need to be careful… the last thing I would want is that we have several organizations coming before us, and we're cash strapped.”

Despite these concerns, there was a consensus on the need to explore additional funding avenues, including potential grants from state assembly members. McQuade proposed reaching out to state officials to identify funding sources for security and other costs associated with the Stroll, indicating a proactive approach to securing financial support.

As discussions continue, the council is weighing the balance between supporting community events and ensuring the city’s financial health. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the funding requests and exploring alternative funding options to sustain both the Solano Stroll and essential city services.