Commissioners ask staff to review River Roots grant after reported changes to event plans

Hamilton County commissioners on Sept. 17 asked county staff to investigate how River Roots received and used county grant funds after commissioners said the festival’s public plan differs from what was included in the county grant materials.

Commissioners said the River Roots project had been funded with county grant money intended to drive tourism and “heads in beds.” At the meeting several commissioners questioned whether the event will deliver the promised tourism benefit, whether programming had been reduced or changed, and whether county contributions were properly acknowledged in public promotional materials.

Why it matters: Grant agreements generally specify intended outcomes and reporting; commissioners said the county needs to confirm whether River Roots is implementing the project as proposed and whether funds matched deliverables tied to tourism and economic development.

What commissioners asked: The board asked county staff to check the grant contract and reporting, determine where county funds were used, and report back on whether adjustments, reimbursements or other remedial steps are required.

No formal enforcement action was taken Sept. 17; commissioners requested a staff follow‑up and review of the grant and public materials.