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Volunteer organizers seeking council help as holiday parade costs rise
Summary
Volunteers who run Berkley’s holiday parade told council that increasing city fees and administrative billing errors have pushed the event budget above $10,000, imperiling marching-band commitments and prompting a request to meet with councilors to discuss costs and sponsorship support.
At the July 21 meeting, a longtime Berkley resident and volunteer told the City Council that fees and billing problems threaten the annual holiday parade run by resident volunteers.
The speaker, identified in the record as Cindy, said she has been a Berkeley resident for 39 years and has chaired the parade for 21 years. She said the parade’s operating costs, excluding city fees, are roughly $6,000–$8,000; with city fees added, the total exceeds $10,000. Cindy said she received incorrect and inconsistent bills and that this year — the first in 21 years — the parade lacks funds to commit to marching bands because of travel costs.
“I received a bill, to the wrong group, for way more than what we had even agreed upon,” Cindy said, and later: “They have told us that their hands are tied, that you guys make the decisions.” She asked council to meet with volunteers to review charges and to discuss potential solutions; she said the group is working on sponsorships and is close to 501(c)(3) status.
Council did not take action on the request at the meeting; Cindy’s remarks were made during the public-comment period. City staff contact and follow-up were requested so volunteers and staff can meet to review billing and fees.
