The Town of Yarmouth's Community Economic Development Committee (CEDC) meeting on January 8, 2025, highlighted ongoing challenges related to volunteer engagement and community support for local events. A significant discussion point was the difficulty in securing volunteers for essential tasks, such as parking management during events.
Committee members noted that despite having some volunteers, the workload has become overwhelming, leading to the decision to hire individuals to assist with parking. The cost for this service was reported to be approximately $9,000 for half a day, with each worker earning around $50. This expenditure reflects the town's commitment to ensuring events run smoothly, even as volunteer participation remains low.
The conversation underscored the importance of community involvement and the need for effective strategies to attract more volunteers. Committee members expressed appreciation for those who step up to help, acknowledging that many individuals in the community are eager to contribute but may require more support or incentives to do so.
As the town continues to navigate these challenges, the CEDC is expected to explore further solutions to enhance volunteer engagement and ensure the success of future events.