Council approves $2,000 sponsorship for Talent Skate Classic

The Talent City Council voted Sept. 17 to direct staff to provide a $2,000 sponsorship to support the inaugural Talent Skate Classic, an event organizers said will showcase the city’s rebuilt skate facilities and attract regional participants.

Dave Bob, a longtime community volunteer who helped build Talent’s original skate park, told the council the community-organized event has a projected $15,000 budget, more than $5,000 already raised in cash and in-kind donations and a goal of drawing participants and spectators from across the region. He requested $2,000 from the city to help get the event started.

City staff reported the council discretionary fund has $10,000 budgeted for the fiscal year, with about $250 already committed this year, leaving roughly $9,750 available. Staff also estimated that public-works costs for the event’s temporary street closures would likely be substantially less than the $2,000 request.

After brief council discussion about economic-development benefits for downtown businesses and event impacts on city staffing, Councilor Cooley moved to provide the $2,000 sponsorship; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. The funds will be routed through Talent Business Alliance (TBA), which the council was told will manage donations for the event at no administrative charge.

Organizers said the event will be free for spectators, that participant entry fees will be charged for adult and pro divisions (with proceeds toward prizes), and that the event may bring roughly 500 attendees over the day. Councilors asked staff to ensure the event permit covers required street closures and to provide a cost estimate for staff time related to the closures.

Outcome: council approved the $2,000 sponsorship and directed staff to coordinate logistics and fee-processing with Talent Business Alliance and event organizers.