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Council backs sesquicentennial planning, authorizes funding approach and committees
Summary
Council received a staff presentation on the city of Taylor's 150th anniversary plans and approved creating an ad hoc sesquicentennial committee, a restricted revenue-and-expense fund for FY2025–FY2027, and a mix of fundraising and merchandise sales to support events. The council voted 4-0 to receive the presentation and approve funding plans.
Taylor City Council on Feb. 13 voted 4-0 to receive a presentation on planning for the city’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) and authorized staff to move forward with committee formation, limited fundraising, merchandise sales and a restricted fund to manage revenue and expenses through fiscal year 2027.
Ruby, a city staff member, outlined a multi-year plan that would thread a sesquicentennial theme through existing events and add several new elements. Proposed actions include forming an ad hoc citizen sesquicentennial committee with two subcommittees (heritage and events), a staff working group to coordinate permitting and procurement, and biweekly meetings for the committees during planning.
Key proposed events and projects Ruby described include a library gallery tied to a 1930s time capsule and a new city time capsule to be placed at the City Hall and Justice Center plaza, a tree-planting project (proposed "50 trees for 150 years"), restoration of a historic fire engine, a possible unveiling of a partially funded Governor Dan Moody statue in collaboration with the Moody Museum, a large parade and street festival in November 2026 and smaller history talks organized with the police department. Ruby also said the police commander, Commander Branson, has been documenting department history and could host talks.
On funding, Ruby requested authority to create a restricted revenue-and-expense fund for FY2025–FY2027 to collect sponsorships, merchandise sales and grants; she also proposed using a portion of hotel occupancy-tax (HOT) reserves and pursuing sponsorships and postcard/t-shirt merchandise sales to raise funds. "This is where it gets tricky because we're not gonna have a sesquicentennial ever again," Ruby said, noting the event is a one-time opportunity.
Council discussion included logistics, timing around other downtown events and volunteer recruitment. Ruby said staff would develop a web form for residents to sign up to serve on the ad hoc citizen committee and that committee appointments would be finalized through council. A motion to receive the presentation and approve the funding approach passed 4-0.
Next steps: staff will create the volunteer interest form on the city website, convene the staff working group and return with committee assignments, a proposed budget and any required procurement or sponsorship agreements.
