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Waynesville council adopts special-event fee schedule, carves out public-school football games
Summary
Council approved a six-tier special-event fee schedule that includes a $500 charge for large events requiring police/fire support but amended the measure so tier 6 does not apply to public-school football games; members asked police to coordinate with schools on special assignments.
The Town of Waynesville council on April 28 adopted a six-tier special-event fee schedule intended to align the town’s permitting costs with other North Carolina municipalities and to recover public-safety support costs for larger events.
Jesse Fowler, who presented the proposal, said the schedule ranges from free neighborhood gatherings up to larger sporting events and outdoor entertainment, and that the recommendation was intentionally conservative. "I was instructed to come back with a $500 fee," Fowler said, referring to the proposed charge for events that request police or fire department support.
Council members debated whether public-school sporting events should be included in the top tier. Several members argued football games can draw very large crowds and may require different policing arrangements; others said schools should be excluded to avoid double-charging when special assignment contracts are already used. One council member asked the police chief to negotiate directly with the school system to clarify payment and coverage for athletic events.
Council member (S3) moved to approve the fee schedule with an amendment so tier 6 would not include public-school football games; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
The ordinance was approved by voice vote; staff will revise the fee schedule language to reflect the exception for public-school football games and will coordinate with the police chief and schools about operational arrangements for athletic events.
