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Lake City council debate over $10,000 for countywide 'Unity Fest' ends with request withdrawn
Summary
Council members sparred over using an existing $10,000 events allocation for a countywide "Unity Fest," with critics calling it an unnecessary expense and proponents saying it would improve the city's image; after heated public comment and council debate the primary sponsor withdrew the funding request.
The Lake City Council debated whether to authorize the city to spend up to $10,000 from an existing events line to co-host a countywide “Unity Fest” in August, a proposal city staff said would pair with up to $10,000 from Columbia County to create an estimated $20,000 event.
Councilwoman Harris, who proposed the idea as a way to improve the city’s image and promote cooperation with the county, said staff had identified the funding in the existing events budget and intended the city’s $10,000 to cover staffing, food, decorations and logistics. Commissioner Parnell and staff told the council the county was likely to consider up to $10,000 for entertainment and production elements.
Several council members objected to spending taxpayer dollars on the festival. Councilman Carter and Councilman Jernigan argued the city has more urgent infrastructure needs—streets, sidewalks and park repairs—and said the $10,000 should not be used for a large entertainment event. Carter said he had not heard constituents asking for a unity festival and urged priorities such as repaving roads. Jernigan repeatedly emphasized seeking sponsorships instead of using city funds.
Public commenters offered mixed views. Barbara Lemley called the festival a “want not a need” and urged prioritizing road repairs and cemetery cleanup. Roshia Murphy and other residents urged the council to demonstrate unity with constituents and noted the funds were already allocated for events. Councilman Jernigan offered to sponsor $1,000 personally if the event moved forward on sponsorships.
Tensions rose during repeated exchanges about whether money was truly available in the budget and whether the August timing—near elections and during peak heat—was appropriate. At one point Carter moved to disapprove funding; the motion was seconded. After extended discussion and public comment, Councilwoman Harris said she would withdraw the funding request rather than press it to a vote. The original motion to disapprove was rescinded and the item was declared dead on the record.
The council did not adopt any appropriation or budget amendment related to the festival; staff said they would continue seeking sponsorships and coordination with the county but no city funded commitment was approved.
This matter arose as part of the council’s “other” agenda items and concluded with the sponsor withdrawing the request rather than pursuing a formal vote.
"The money is already there," Commissioner Parnell said during the discussion, arguing it had been budgeted for events; "If it's unity, get out and show unity," said public commenter Roshia Murphy in favor of the event. By contrast, Councilman Carter said, "I have not had anyone come to me and say, gosh, we really need a unity festival."
