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Waterville Council OKs $10,500 for December Christmas event; staff to finalize payment method
Summary
The City of Waterville Council approved spending up to $10,500 to support the community’s December holiday celebration and authorized staff to work out details for paying a small core volunteer team.
The City of Waterville Council voted to approve a budget of up to $10,500 to support this year’s community Christmas event, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7, with a tree-lighting at Parker Square at 6 p.m.
The request came from resident Wendy Gray, who said the overall package covers staging, food trucks, Santa’s workshop, a green-screen photo area and lighting for about 30 trees on Third Street. Gray said volunteers have handled most work in past years but asked the city to fund a small core team and certain contracted lighting work so preparations finish on schedule.
Gray told council the total all-in estimate is $10,500 and said she and a small set of core volunteers would coordinate the project. Council members discussed that the core-team payment portion of the request is roughly $3,500 and asked staff about how the city would handle payments legally and logistically.
Councilmembers supported the request but asked city staff and the finance director to confirm whether the workers should be treated as contractors and whether 1099 reporting, business licensing, or other accounting steps are required. Councilmember John Rosick moved to approve the budget; the motion carried on a voice vote with no opposition.
Why it matters: The council’s support preserves a longstanding community event and funds contracted lighting and limited stipends for a small crew. Council asked for receipts and accounting back to the city once the event is complete.
Council also discussed options if some lighting needs are lower than estimated; Gray said she will provide receipts and return unused funds to the city if appropriate. The event organizer and city staff said they will coordinate the payment method and recordkeeping before work begins. The event remains scheduled for Dec. 7 with activities centered at Parker Square.
Sources and context: The request and budget figures were presented in public comment by Wendy Gray during the Oct. 13 council meeting. Council directed staff to work with Gray and the city finance office to finalize the payment approach.
