Council accepts state grant, authorizes contract to add "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" sculpture on Johnny Cash Trail
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Summary
The council authorized a professional services agreement not to exceed $279,730 with Romo Studios and accepted a $425,000 state grant to fabricate and install a bronze Johnny Cash sculpture on city property west of the Johnny Cash Bridge; the remaining grant funds (approx. $145,000) will be used for site work. Council approved the resolution unanimously.
The Folsom City Council on Dec. 9 approved a resolution accepting state grant funds and authorizing a professional services agreement to fabricate and install a new art experience on the Johnny Cash Trail.
Parks staff requested authorization to enter a professional services agreement with Romo Studios for fabrication and installation of a bronze sculpture titled "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash," not to exceed $279,730. Tom Hellman, Parks and Recreation, told the council the project is funded by a $425,000 specified grant from the California Budget Act of 2023, secured with assistance from Assemblyman Josh Hoover, and the city must spend the funds by Dec. 31, 2026.
The proposed sculpture is a roughly 6-foot-tall bronze figure of Johnny Cash seated on a stool with a guitar, placed on an existing concrete pad just west of the Johnny Cash Bridge on city-owned property. Hellman said the artist may make some design adjustments during fabrication, and that the city will use the remaining grant money (about $145,000) for site improvements such as a low concrete bench or riser wall and bicycle racks.
Councilmembers asked about the pad and the final detailing; staff said the contract will include scopes to manage finish and signage so the community sees the artists intent and the sculptures story. The council moved and adopted the resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement and accept the grant; the roll call vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: The Johnny Cash Trail is a signature Folsom attraction; staff framed the sculpture as both a cultural amenity and a driver of tourism and pedestrian/cyclist activity. The project draws on a dedicated state grant and will be placed on city property with minimal additional paving required.
Next steps: City manager authorized to execute the professional services agreement for fabrication and installation; staff to work with the artist on final design details and to use remaining grant funds for site work and signage.
