Committee discusses mayor’s ball budget, considers live entertainment and contingency

Committee members reviewed the remaining centennial budget and discussed how to allocate funds for the mayor’s ball, possible live entertainment and fireworks.

Members noted approximately $10,000 in the centennial fund remained unallocated after earlier commitments and discussed proposed budgets for the mayor’s ball. Committee members suggested a working figure for the mayor’s ball of $9,000 (discussion item) and separately discussed paying roughly $2,000 for live musical entertainment; multiple members emphasized ticket sales and sponsorships will offset cost but that tight budgets require careful planning. A $20,000 figure for a high-profile tribute act was discussed only as an example and was not adopted; committee members preferred a modest live act or band that could be funded from the centennial budget or ticket revenue.

Members also flagged that the fireworks budget had previously been set (committee noted fireworks are a city-wide expense) and reminded staff that mayor’s ball invitations and professional printing should be timed to allow dignitary invitations and ticket sales to proceed. The committee discussed setting minimum registration thresholds for events and agreed to consider cancellation or modification if participation is very low; several members suggested a practical minimum (for example, 10 teams for the golf scramble) but left formal minimums to event-specific planning.

Ending: No formal vote was taken on mayor’s ball spending in the March 4 meeting; staff were asked to return with firm quotes and a recommendation for the mayor’s ball entertainment budget at an upcoming meeting.