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Parade committee asks town for one-time band funding; council to consider during budget deliberations
Summary
Parade co-chairs requested a one-time increase to cover a $1,600 band for the upcoming Memorial Day parade; councilors asked for a formal request and said the April 28 budget deliberations are the appropriate forum.
Mary Ellen Madsen, co-chair of the parade committee, told the council the group lacks funds to hire a band for the upcoming Memorial Day parade and asked the council to consider a one-time contribution to cover an increased cost.
"The price has gone up from a thousand dollars to 1,600 for the band," Madsen said, describing how the committee receives $1,000 from the town per parade and that the band price now exceeds that allotment.
Councilors discussed logistics and precedent. Councilor Matt McCoy (referenced in the discussion as council liaison) and others urged the parade committee to submit a formal budget request to the town so the council can consider it alongside the fiscal year 2026 budget. Town Manager Ralph said the town has a surplus and "we would be fine with the surplus to help them out," but noted the council must weigh precedent for future requests.
The council did not take an immediate vote on funding. Staff directed the parade committee to submit a formal written request so the council can review it during scheduled budget deliberations on April 28.
Parade volunteers and longtime committee members in the audience, including John Fitzgerald and Bill Panolia, described the parade's history and argued the band contributes to the event's length and rhythm. Town staff said they would try to expedite consideration but emphasized the need for an official written request to place the matter on the budget agenda.
