The Alamosa City Council authorized $5,000 in sponsorships to seven community events and groups for the first half of the year and approved a procedural change to reimburse event organizers after events rather than provide funds in advance.

Staff described the sponsorship committee's recommendations for the first $5,000 of the year: Alamosa Chamber Art Gala ($200), Cinco de Mayo block party ($2,000 plus use of the stage), the sixth annual Spring Story ($250 plus use of the course), Rolling Deep Car Show ($750 plus use of the stage), Mysterious Valley Production Spring Fest ($200 plus use of the stage), Fourth Annual Ice Bowl at the Rio Frio Fest ($100 plus use of the course), and Alamosa Roundup ($1,500 plus use of stage, tent, electricity and water).

Staff explained the city would mirror Visit Alamosa's practice by switching to reimbursement after events to ensure events occur before funds are issued. Councilor Carson moved to approve the committee's recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Next steps: staff will process reimbursements after events and apply the new payment process for the second half of the year.