Residents asked the council to return authority for community events to the Marketing, Business and Growth (MBG) committee. Speakers recounted MBG's origin in a strategic plan, its work on downtown revitalization and past events (including an eclipse celebration) that generated interest.

Councilors said MBG performed many functions — from business facades to outreach — but that the committee lacked sustained volunteer capacity after a contractor's contract ended. One resident asked who would assume liability for a horse‑drawn attraction at a downtown event; councilors said municipal sponsorship carries insurance and licensing responsibilities and that the city has historically relied on volunteers and a special‑events person when available.

The mayoral representative said the city will reorganize committees in January and encouraged residents and business owners to volunteer; staff noted the MBG group will be reexamined in the 2026 committee structure. Several speakers urged clearer public reporting of grant and committee activity when outside organizations, such as the Cortland Collaborative or a community foundation, administer grants or projects on the city's behalf.