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Committee seeks town backing for Billy Wagner statue; council agrees to consider resolution of support
Summary
A community committee asked the council for a 10% municipal contribution (about $25,000) to help leverage grants for a bronze Billy Wagner statue and park renovations; council made a motion to provide a resolution of support and deferred formal funding to a future meeting.
Tazewell — Members of the Billy Wagner Park committee asked the town on Aug. 12 for municipal backing to help leverage grant funding for a bronze statue and park renovations on Main Street.
Brad White (S3), speaking for the committee, said the statue alone is estimated at about $150,000 and the committee is seeking a 10% municipal contribution — roughly $25,000 — to help match and unlock foundation grants. “We would use that as a springboard for all of our grant funding,” Brad said, describing plans for site work, lighting and future amenities such as pavers for donor recognition.
Council members discussed timing for grant applications, matching requirements, and the possibility of a resolution of support to strengthen the committee’s grant pitches. One councilor suggested deferring any appropriation decision until more members could be present, but moved that the council adopt a resolution of support so the committee could proceed with grant applications; the motion was seconded and supported.
The request for direct town funding was not approved at the meeting; instead the council agreed to provide a resolution of support and to revisit any funding request at the next meeting to allow all council voices to be heard.
What happens next: The committee will proceed with grant outreach and the town clerk will prepare a resolution of support for council consideration; any cash commitment would require a separate appropriation vote.
