The future of Fort Thomas’s Merchants & Music festival and the Grow Grant storefront improvement program was a focal point of public comment and council discussion on Nov. 17.

Christine Smalley of the Fort Thomas Business Council publicly thanked the council for the Grow grants, saying they improved local storefronts and linked businesses to the Fort Thomas app. "Thank you so much for the opportunity the Grow grants have provided our businesses," she said, noting projects that included awnings, tuckpointing and ADA work.

Supporters of Merchants & Music described the event as a regional draw that benefits restaurants and retail, citing TV and print coverage and visitors from outside Fort Thomas. "An event like Merchants and Music gives us a chance to showcase our city," a speaker said.

But several council members and residents urged fiscal caution. Council discussion reviewed past festival budgets and sponsorships and noted the city’s uncertain financial position. The administrator and event staff said the city had typically budgeted between $60,000 and $165,000 for headliners and that net city cost for recent years ranged roughly $25,000–$35,000 after sponsorships and revenue. Council asked whether a smaller, local lineup and more sponsorships could preserve the festival while reducing costs.

Council set near‑term procedural steps: pause the Grow Grant program pending a budget review at the next quarterly finance meeting, and schedule a special follow‑up meeting with festival organizers and the Renaissance/Economic Development director to outline a fiscally prudent plan. Staff said RFPs and grant processes will be revisited and that any Grow Grant awards would be considered after the city completes budget adjustments.

Next steps: A special meeting was set for early December to hear organizers and to provide guidance on the festival budget; council also asked staff to solicit proposals for enhanced sponsorships and to report the Grow Grant budget and uptake at the January quarterly finance meeting.