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United Way asks Harriman council for $10,000 city sponsorship to bring back county fair
Summary
Sandy Levelville of Rome County United Way asked the Harriman City Council to consider a $10,000 sponsorship to help bring back a county fair May 12–17; the United Way said it already signed a contract with the carnival vendor and is seeking municipal partners while staff will review the city budget and return with a recommendation.
Sandy Levelville, speaking for Rome County United Way, asked the Harriman City Council on Dec. 16 to consider municipal sponsorship to help revive a county fair scheduled for May 12–17. Levelville said the United Way hopes each municipality will contribute about $10,000 and that the organization has already signed the fair contract and paid money up front.
“Our world is constantly being asked to choose sides,” Levelville told the council, framing the fair as a unifying event that would “showcase the very best of our own county.” She said about 42% of county residents cannot afford basic necessities and that revenue from the fair would support the nonprofit network that serves families, seniors and children.
Council members questioned vendor safety and financial risk. Levelville named the carnival vendor as Prime Time Carnival Company and said the event contract includes “an $8 million umbrella policy that will name everybody involved.” When asked whether the fair would proceed if fundraising fell short, she said the fair is already contracted and planned to be held; donations would support the fair and nonprofit impact but would not be used to back out the event.
Mayor Creswell asked city staff to review the request. The mayor asked the city manager and treasurer to examine available funds and return with a recommendation so the item can be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration.
Why it matters: The United Way tied the fair to local nonprofit fundraising, community economic activity and tourism. Council members weighed public-safety concerns and fiscal responsibility before committing taxpayer support.
What’s next: The city manager and treasurer will review the city budget and bring the fair sponsorship request back to the council for formal action at a subsequent meeting.
