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Preston council denies $500 Farmers Market sponsorship, legal counsel cites need for public benefit nexus
Summary
The council voted 2–1 to deny a $500 sponsorship request from the Farmers Market. City attorney advised that taxpayer money granted to nonprofit events should have a demonstrable public benefit to avoid favoritism or legal challenges.
Preston's city council voted to deny a $500 sponsorship request for the local Farmers Market after legal staff advised elected officials that public funds should be used only where there is a clear public benefit.
The decision matters because council members said they must show a legal nexus between using taxpayer funds and a public health, safety or welfare benefit to avoid accusations of favoritism.
Melanie Keller, president of the Farmers Market, described last year's program (11 markets, two festivals) and said the market uses prior council seed money, vendor fees and volunteer labor; organizers requested a $500 sponsorship to cover insurance, licensing, mailers and expanded festival activities. “It's basically about $72 an event,” Keller said when asked to clarify how the money would be used.
City Attorney Lyle Folger explained the legal standard: municipal funds should serve the general public health, safety and welfare and that, without a clear nexus, awarding money to nonprofits risks claims of favoritism. “The cleanest way legally is just to say no to all such requests... there needs to be a direct public tie,” Folger said.
Council members noted competing pressures: some downtown businesses asked why they didn't receive the same support and the city had not budgeted another sponsorship this year. Councilmember (unnamed) said the city’s use of the park is a form of in-kind support and thanked the market for using city property.
Council motion to deny the sponsorship passed by a 2–1 vote. The council suggested the Farmers Market pursue other local sponsors (including the county extension office) and highlighted nonmonetary support already provided (use of the city park).
