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Council reviews Illuminate Isanti finances and debates whether to scale back or end the lighting event after large staff and equipment costs
Summary
Council members reviewed a financial recap showing the Illuminate Isanti event ran well but cost the city roughly $50,000 after accounting for operating expenses, public-works labor and limited donations. Staff will return with options to scale, sell displays, seek private partners, or otherwise reduce ongoing costs.
Council members reviewed a financial recap of Illuminate Isanti and discussed whether the city can continue supporting the month-long event at the current scale after staff presented expense and staffing figures.
Finance staff reported the event’s planned operating budget for 2024 was $27,819 (including $7,000 budgeted for overtime and seasonal staff). Actual operating expenses were $14,702.85 with $4,164 in staff overtime, producing a combined operating outlay of $18,867.29 — about $9,000 under the originally planned operating budget. Separately, public works staff reported approximately 720 hours of work supporting the event this year; using a median loaded-cost estimate for wages and benefits, staff calculated that public-works time on the event equates to roughly $39,600. Sponsorships and other monetary support were discussed as…
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