The Leon Valley City Council voted to approve an in‑kind grant waiving facility and related fees totaling approximately $975 for American Legion Post 336’s Sept. 11 remembrance event on Sept. 11, 2025, and asked staff to seek a cost‑sharing arrangement beginning in fiscal year 2027.

Community Relations Director Crystal Miranda presented the request and summarized the in‑kind grant committee’s evaluation. Garrett Stacy, first vice commander of American Legion Post 336, told council the event typically draws about 50 to 100 attendees, including veterans, public safety personnel and residents; it begins at 5 p.m., with setup at 4:30 p.m.

Nut graf: The in‑kind grant committee scored the request below the usual approval threshold (median 13.65 of a possible 24; 18 is the committee’s recommendation threshold) but councilors cited the event’s tradition and community value and approved the request for this year. The final motion approved a waiver for $975 in fees for the 2025 event and asked that the FY2027 budget include a plan to split event costs between the city and the American Legion.

Discussion and vote: Councilor Roscoe moved approval, Councilor Campos seconded. Councilors discussed the city’s budget pressures, recurring late applications from the organization, and the staff estimate of hard costs that the city covers: a $145 cleanup fee, $110 security cost if contracted, and staff time for public works setup and takedown; public‑safety personnel attend as part of duty or to honor veterans. Several councilors said they would prefer to budget for the event in future years rather than repeatedly waive fees. Councilor Orozco offered — and the council accepted — an amendment that approves the in‑kind waiver for 2025 but directs staff to include a FY27 budget proposal under which costs would be split 50/50 between the city and the American Legion.

The motion passed on voice vote. Council President asked staff to note the event in the FY26 budget and include the FY27 cost‑sharing plan when preparing next year’s budget.

Ending: The American Legion will use the Leon Valley Conference Center on Sept. 11 as requested; staff will record the FY25 waiver in the city’s in‑kind grant ledger and include the FY27 cost‑sharing instruction in budget workpapers.