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Rockfield Foundation seeks one‑time relief for wine festival costs while MOU ratification remains unsigned
Summary
The Rockfield Foundation asked the town to waive or provide $9,500–$10,000 in in‑kind services for its WineFest staffing and DPW/police costs. Foundation leaders and town staff said a related ratification of the lease remains unsigned; the town asked the foundation to sign a ratification that does not change lease terms.
Leaders of the Rockfield Foundation asked Bel Air commissioners for one‑time budget relief to help cover municipal personnel and public‑safety costs tied to the foundation’s signature fundraising event, WineFest, while the parties complete a new lease and memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Donna and Kelly, representing the Rockfield Foundation, said the foundation’s 20‑plus‑year partnership with the town now includes a new MOU and lease that shift more operational costs for the historic property to the foundation. They told the commission the net effect of construction downtime for the expansion plus new contractual responsibilities left the foundation financially stretched. Donna said the foundation was asking for approximately $10,000; later in the discussion staff recommended an in‑kind contribution not to exceed $9,500 to cover Department of Public Works and police overtime connected to WineFest.
Town officials clarified that a ratification of the lease agreement was prepared and had been returned to the foundation for signature but had not yet been signed. Town staff said the ratification does not change lease terms; it would affirm that the current lease remains in effect alongside the capital grant agreement. "That was sent on March 26 … I followed it again … and I still don't have it," said a town staffer during the meeting.
Town staff said the requested $9,500 could be provided as an in‑kind credit to avoid repeated annual waivers; staff noted the foundation’s wine festival proceeds support foundation programming, scholarships, and local nonprofit partners. Commissioners indicated they were willing to approve the one‑time relief for FY 2026 but emphasized that future requests should rely on the lease/MOU terms and that capital projects remain the usual path for larger requests.
Why this matters: Rockfield Manor is a town‑owned historic estate operated by the nonprofit Rockfield Foundation; the property hosts events that generate economic activity and community programming. The town and the foundation are finalizing operating documents that reallocate some maintenance and operating responsibilities.
What’s next: Town staff will seek a signed ratification of the current lease from the foundation and log a Board decision to provide up to $9,500 in in‑kind support for the WineFest event in FY26. The foundation and staff also indicated future capital requests would be handled through the budget process.
