Council approves use of Miss 5 Hills scholarship pageant funds to buy City Park Christmas decorations

The Copperas Cove City Council on Tuesday authorized city staff to use the remaining uncommitted balance from the Miss 5 Hills Scholarship Pageant Fund, $41,357.14, to purchase holiday decorations and pay for installation/storage services to support an annual "Christmas in the Park" event at City Park.

Special Events Coordinator Ashley Wilson told council the package cost for the decorations is approximately $40,880; annual storage, installation and removal services will cost roughly $13,000 to $13,200 depending on the size of the display. The city currently lacks municipal storage space for the decorations, but the capital-improvement plan includes a parks storage facility that staff expects to address in subsequent years. Council discussed arranging first-year storage while the facility is built and using sponsorships and chamber partnerships to expand the celebration.

Council action: Councilmember Sean Alzona moved to authorize staff to use the $41,357.14 remaining funds from the Miss 5 Hills Scholarship Pageant Fund to purchase decorations; Councilmember Rita Hogan seconded. The motion passed with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters: Staff and the pageant board said deploying the funds for a recurring community event would preserve the pageant fund—s community-service intent following retirement of the pageant. The city intends the decorations and program to support tourism and community events in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.

What was not changed: Council did not repurpose the fund for scholarships or other direct grants; the Council voted to spend the uncommitted balance on park decorations and event programming this year.

Ending: Staff will proceed with procurement and will plan for storage in the first year while the CIP storage facility is built.