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Opelika withdraws proposed co-sponsorship policy after commissioners request workshop
Summary
A proposed City of Opelika co-sponsorship policy for events was withdrawn for further work after commissioners raised concerns about notice timelines and procedural requirements.
A proposed City of Opelika co-sponsorship policy that would set rules for city collaboration with nonprofit events was withdrawn for further work after commissioners raised procedural and timeline concerns during the June 11 meeting.
Commissioner Kalisha Bass, sponsor of the resolution, said the measure was drafted because the city lacked guidance for co-sponsoring events that involve exchange of funds or fees; she said she brought the resolution to establish consistent policies. During discussion, Commissioner Irvin and others asked for clarity about several provisions — chiefly the requirement that co-sponsorship requests be submitted at least 90 days before an event “unless otherwise approved by the city commission,” and language about routing items to the parks-and-recreation board "to the extent practical." Several commissioners said that strict notice timelines could prevent support for legitimate short-notice community events.
Vice Mayor Kelly and the city attorney explained that the "unless otherwise approved" clause allows the commission to shorten the timeline by vote, but commissioners said even that path could be impractical when agendas, state review and board meeting schedules introduce additional delay. Public commenter Brian Dennis urged caution, saying informal relationships between community-based organizations and commissioners make the policy sensitive; Commissioner Bass said the policy is intended to protect both the city and sponsors.
After extended discussion, Bass withdrew the item and asked that it be returned for consideration at an upcoming events‑policy workshop. No final vote was taken on the policy; the sponsor said she will collaborate with staff and attorneys and bring a revised draft back to the commission.
Why it matters: The co-sponsorship policy would affect how the city approves and supports community events, including whether fees, sponsorship arrangements and staff support require prior commission approval or board review. Commissioners asked staff to place the item on the events-workshop agenda so the entire commission can review timing, board input and exceptions for short-notice community needs.
