City Council plans $10,000 budget for community events and food truck Fridays

The Selma City Council is gearing up for an exciting year of community events, with plans to expand the number of activities funded by the Business Improvement District (BID). During a recent meeting, council members discussed the potential for increasing the event budget from $10,000 to $20,000, aiming to enhance community engagement and participation.

Council member Gonzalez highlighted the success of past events, particularly a recent collaboration with the fire department that brought joy to local children. “It’s a great idea, something putting the community together,” he noted, emphasizing the positive impact of such gatherings.

The current budget allows for approximately five events at $2,000 each, but several council members expressed a desire for more, suggesting at least eight events in the coming year. Ideas for new events included a wine and art night and a collaboration with the upcoming Pepe Marquez event in September, which is expected to attract a large crowd.

While the council is enthusiastic about expanding the event calendar, any budget adjustments would require approval from the city council. City staff indicated that reallocating funds from other budget areas could be challenging, particularly for specific allocations like the storefront improvement grant.

As the council moves forward, they plan to create a comprehensive calendar of events to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure a vibrant lineup for the community. The recommendation to continue the popular Food Truck Fridays was also put forward, aiming to kick off the season with familiar favorites.

With these discussions, Selma is poised to enhance its community spirit through a diverse array of events, fostering connections among residents and local businesses alike.