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Cotati council approves 2026 Accordion Festival permit, grants 50% fee waiver
Summary
Council approved the 2026 Cotati Accordion Festival with a 50% permit fee waiver and higher refundable deposit; staff reported permit fees at $6,042, recommended a $3,021 collection after waiver and estimated the city's absorbed staff cost at $10,947.50.
The Cotati City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 14 to approve a resolution authorizing the 2026 Cotati Accordion Festival, including temporary street closures, amplified live music and the sale of alcoholic beverages, and to continue a 50% city fee waiver for the event.
Staff told the council that the total permit fees before a waiver are $6,042 and recommended continuing the 50% fee waiver used in 2024. With the waiver, the city would collect $3,021 from the festival and absorb an estimated $10,947.50 in staff costs and donated services, and staff proposed increasing the refundable event deposit to $1,500.
The applicant, Mister Gorey (online), confirmed he was working with local Cotati groups to expand community benefits but said final commitments depend on event outcomes and attendance.
Council discussion focused on fee accounting and policy: some members questioned whether permit fees are intended to fully cover city costs and noted a future park policy update will clarify fee and staff-cost accounting. One councilmember proposed waiving fees entirely as a goodwill gesture; the council ultimately approved the staff recommendation and permit conditions.
