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Spencer County approves $4,500 contribution to July 4 "America 250" celebration
Summary
The fiscal court approved a $4,500 donation to support the county’s July 4 "America 250" events and asked organizers to return with a revised budget and compliance details, including plans for staging, vendors and whether alcohol sales will be managed by insured caterers.
Spencer County Fiscal Court on March 2 approved a $4,500 contribution to local organizers of the July 4 "America 250" celebration, after tourism staff presented a draft budget and answered questions about liability, staging and vendor roles.
Catherine Scott (speaker 9), representing the tourism effort, said organizers had budgeted for equipment rental (tents, bounce houses, tables and chairs), two hay‑wagon stages loaned by the Matheny family, two stages from another source, and a plan to use a caterer to handle any alcohol sales and associated liability. Scott said alcohol sales were being considered to help raise scholarship funds for local contests but that the event could proceed without direct county involvement in sales.
Court members raised audit and compliance concerns, asking that any county funds be clearly accounted for and not used for restricted purchases such as alcohol unless done through a permitted, insured vendor. The court debated stage quality and safety and suggested engaging local businesses (including taverns or the Moose Lodge) as vendors or to manage concessions.
Following discussion, a motion to donate $4,500 from existing county appropriations to the America 250 event was moved, seconded and approved. Scott said she would return with a revised budget and requested written permission to use county parking and the meeting room for event operations.
The court also discussed a separate but related item: temporary space for the tourism office after the Chamber lease ended. Scott said she has a downtown offer at the same monthly rent and the court asked her to coordinate with city officials and report back.
