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City staff to assume First Fridays programming as Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association moves toward mothballing
Summary
Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association leaders told council they intend to transfer First Fridays operations to the city after years of volunteer management. Staff said they can absorb planning and marketing work and recommended 'mothballing' the nonprofit while keeping its assets for event execution.
Representatives of the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association (DBMA) told the City Council on March 11 that the volunteer-run group is preparing to transfer day-to-day operations of First Fridays to city staff because of volunteer capacity limits.
Jill O’Brien, who has overseen downtown business activity since 2013, described First Fridays’ evolution from small street events into more robust, multi-site evenings that draw customers into downtown businesses. "People like it and they show up on a consistent basis," O’Brien said, describing steady public participation.
City staff and DBMA members discussed a plan in which the association would “mothball” its nonprofit status (maintaining its registration while filing zero tax returns) so it could be reactivated later if needed. Staff said city Main Street operations would take on event planning, communication to businesses and marketing; remaining DBMA funds could be used to support First Fridays until they are depleted.
Council and staff noted issues to resolve before a full administrative transfer: confirm the nonprofit’s registered agent and board, assess remaining funds and liabilities, and evaluate whether street closures benefit or burden different downtown merchants. Staff recommended surveying merchants about street closures before making a final closure policy.
No formal vote was taken. Staff said they would prepare a resolution or ordinance to document the transfer of operations and the disposition of DBMA assets and reported they can proceed administratively with marketing and event staffing while addressing legal and financial details.
