Rutland farmers market permit approved; board declines to move fee discussion to finance

Rutland aldermen approved a special-event permit for the Rutland Farmers Market to operate in downtown park spaces on Saturdays (May 10–Oct. 25; 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) and Wednesdays (June 9–Oct. 1; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.). Market organizers said insurance proof was forthcoming, and the city clerk’s office will continue to accept vendor documentation.

Market president Mort Brown told the board the market is working with the clerk’s office to ensure vendors understand how to remit Rutland’s 1% local tax on applicable sales and to encourage vendors to report year-end sales. He said market volunteers will remind vendors to settle the city’s local assessment and that the co-op handles trash and recycling during market days.

Aldermen discussed the municipal staff time and public-works effort required to set up traffic patterns and handle street closures. Alderman Gillum said public-works costs may exceed the $500 permit fee paid by the market and suggested the city review fees next year to better reflect costs. A motion to refer a discussion of market fees and the city subsidy to the finance committee failed for lack of the six votes required; the vote count in the room was 5 in favor and 3 against, short of the majority needed for committee referral. The special-event permit itself passed on a voice vote.

Officials agreed the market contributes to downtown activity and that a fuller review of staffing and equipment costs is appropriate for future budget planning.