Oakley City Council supports charitable proceeds for Pickleball Tournament

The Oakley City Council meeting on February 26, 2025, focused on several key initiatives, including plans for the upcoming Oakley City Pickleball Tournament and discussions about ticketing for local events.

One of the main topics was the proposal to allocate a portion of the tournament's proceeds to a charitable foundation. Council members expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of city approval for any charitable sponsorships to ensure alignment with community values. The council aims to maintain control over sponsorship decisions to avoid potential conflicts in the future.

Additionally, the council discussed the need for a pavilion to replace the large tent used during previous events. The proposal will be funded through the cultural tax, which is expected to provide more financial resources than the previously considered wrap tax.

The meeting also addressed logistical concerns for the upcoming rodeo, particularly regarding ticketing. Some council members noted feedback from residents who prefer physical tickets over digital ones, especially for large family groups. The council acknowledged the challenges of digital ticketing, including issues with resale and accessibility for older demographics. They agreed to revisit the ticketing process and consider printing physical tickets closer to the event date to accommodate local needs.

Lastly, the rodeo committee proposed increasing the event's payout from $20,000 to $25,000, totaling $45,000 for the year. This request requires prompt approval to inform the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) of the changes.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to community engagement and support for local events, while also addressing logistical and financial considerations for upcoming activities.