Board restores support for Soapbox Derby, sets 30-car minimum and staff conditions

Tullahoma — The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday agreed to restore city support for the Soapbox Derby after organizers described efforts to revive the long-running event and Parks & Recreation provided a cost breakdown.

Organizers said they formed a 501(c)(3), registered races with Akron, and had plans to promote the May 2 event. Parks & Recreation staff told the board the event can cost roughly $23,000: staff estimated about $18,000 in labor (public works and parks & rec overtime) and about $5,000 in tangible supplies (helmets, brake pads, T-shirts, rental equipment). Staff said the $5,000 line item had been removed from the budget, but regular labor expenses are part of departmental staffing allocations.

Aldermen debated how many participants would justify the operational expense and whether the city should require a minimum turnout. The board discussed prior participation highs (a speaker recalled a best year near 60 cars and lows around 20), fundraising and promotion options, and the value of the Super Kids division for participants with special needs.

Ultimately the board voted to restore staffing support and approve the event with a minimum of 30 cars (two divisions plus Super Kids) and with an expectation that organizers complete registration and reach participation benchmarks by mid-April. The motion carried 5–1.

Attribution: Parks & Rec staff provided cost estimates and logistics; organizers Richard Chastain, Hunter Beavers and Joseph Thomason described volunteer recruitment and promotional plans during public comment.