The Port Richey Events Committee voted to give a $50 credit toward a future event to a lemonade vendor who paid but failed to appear at the city’s holidays event, saying the credit avoids disadvantaging other vendors who were turned away.

Committee members debated whether to refund the fee after staff presented the vendor’s communications: the vendor emailed late about setup concerns (citing an ice machine schedule), said he might be too late to set up, and later asked for a refund. Veronica, a staff member who handled vendor communications, told the vendor the committee would consider the request at the events committee meeting.

From the committee floor, members pressed two competing points: fairness to vendors who were denied the same product line during the event, and compassion for an absent vendor who cited operational difficulties. One committee member moved "Motion to give the vendor in question a $50 credit toward a future event, but without exclusivity this time." Chairman John Eric Huber seconded the motion. Committee members clarified that medical emergencies or other exigent circumstances would be handled on a case‑by‑case basis.

After a brief discussion about whether the credit should require a deposit or confirmed commitment to prevent repeat no‑shows, the committee voted by voice and carried the motion. Chairman Huber said staff would notify the vendor and explain the decision.

The committee also directed staff to draft clearer vendor application language and a refund policy for future events so similar disputes can be resolved administratively. Veronica confirmed that at the next meeting the committee would consider a vendor policy that includes no‑refund language with limited exceptions.

The committee’s next steps are staff outreach to the vendor and drafting a written vendor/refund policy to present at a future meeting.