Committee approves $1 public-safety fee for ticketed special events; staff to implement through policy and application

The Public Health and Safety Committee on March 17 approved amendments to Wausau’s special-event policy and application to implement a $1 public-safety fee on ticketed events that require police or fire services.

Caitlin, a city staff member, told the committee staff did not believe an ordinance change was necessary to implement the fee and instead amended the special-event policy to add the dollar-per-ticket charge and collection procedures. Under the amendment, event organizers will report the number of tickets sold or distributed through an online form after the event and then be invoiced; staff said there will not be a post-facto refund if tickets were cancelled or the event did not occur.

Staff clarified that “a ticket is a ticket” — the fee applies regardless of whether tickets were sold or given away and applies to admission tickets that give access to the event. Deputy Chief Barnes noted the rule simplifies administration for multi-day passes and sponsored tickets. City staff said the city’s ERP/permitting software will be used to track billing and collection.

Committee member Larson moved to approve the policy change; McElhinney seconded the motion. Members voted “aye” with none opposed.

Staff said the fee would apply to events after the council approves the policy; smaller non-ticketed community events such as typical Concert on the Square would not be charged.