Commission approves incremental fee increases, late‑no‑show penalty for Farmers Market vendors

The City Commission on March 25 approved the 2025 fee schedule for the Muskegon Farmers Market, including modest increases requested by the market committee and a new $20 late‑no‑show fee for vendors who fail to notify staff when they will not attend.

City staff said the market committee — made up of farmers and artisans — reviewed fees and recommended incremental adjustments to keep the market sustainable while considering the differing capacity of large and small vendors. The committee asked for a $1 bump to Wednesday flea‑market fees to fund additional advertising in the buyer’s guide and proposed a $20 charge for vendors who do not show up and fail to notify market staff in a timely manner. Staff and market representatives told commissioners the penalty addresses repeated or chronic no‑shows that disrupt vendor seating and the morning lottery that assigns daily vendor spots.

Commissioners also noted that Saturday vendors pay a $1 surcharge that goes into a marketing fund the city matches; that program was credited with expanding market outreach. The clerk and market staff said vendor applications must be preapproved and the lottery system used on busy mornings helps manage space. The commission approved the fee schedule by roll call; staff said they will continue routine outreach to vendors and adjust administrative practices if needed.

Market organizers and commissioners emphasized the committee proposed the late fee, not staff, and that staff retain discretion for legitimate emergencies. The measure passed with all recorded votes in favor.