Council committee proposes lower fees for 5K/10K runs, separates parades from races

City staff presented proposed changes to the fee structure for parades, road races and walks, asking the finance committee to move the item to an agenda work session for final consideration.

Under the current fee schedule staff described, parades and road races share the same fee line: a $1,500 application fee plus published amounts that staff described as $3,500 for 5K events and $4,500 for 10K events when the city provides police officers. Staff said the $3,500/$4,500 amounts reimburse police officers who work the events; applicants may instead pay officers directly and thereby avoid city collection of that line item.

The staff proposal would explicitly separate parades from fundraising races. Proposed fees in the memo discussed at committee were: parade application fee $1,500 (unchanged), a $2,000 fee for 5K events and $2,500 for 10K events (these lower base fees reflect separating parade vs. race classifications). The memo would also clarify that the $3,500 and $4,500 amounts specifically reimburse officer costs and may be waived if officers are paid directly.

Council asked how the number of officers and the officer pay rate would be set; staff and Marietta Police Department representatives said Marietta PD determines required officer counts based on route, duration and expected impacts and that the department sets the pay rate for off‑duty details. Council discussed liability where privately hired security at events has previously led to lawsuits; staff noted the city retains potential exposure if officers are acting under city authority.

A motion was made to move the fee change proposal to the agenda work session; the finance committee approved the motion. Staff will produce an updated fee chart for the work session and coordinate with Marietta PD for officer‑cost estimates.