Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bessemer council approves deposit to sponsor Southern Soul Festival, caps budget at $45,000
Summary
The City Council voted Feb. 12 to authorize a $16,050 deposit and set a festival budget not to exceed $45,000 to sponsor the Southern Soul Festival on July 3, 2026, at the Kenneth E. Gulley Recreation Center; councilors also discussed venue logistics, security and vendor contracts.
Council President Jarvis Collier said the City Council of the City of Bessemer on Feb. 12 approved paying a $16,050 deposit to secure performers and production services for the Southern Soul Festival and set an event budget not to exceed $45,000.
The resolution (No. 024-26) authorizes city sponsorship of the festival planned for July 3, 2026, at the Kenneth E. Gulley Recreation Center and permits the mayor to execute performance and production contracts, subject to review by the city attorney. The resolution names proposed performers and vendors and establishes the overall budget ceiling.
The resolution text lists proposed performers and production services, including Mick Clark Jr., Nephew Jones, Young Guy, M. Cally and Claude M. Donerlson Jr. of Rob "D" Sound Man & Lighting for stage production, sound and lighting. Attorney Killings told the council the sound technician submitted a proposal of $12,500 with a $3,000 deposit for those services and said the city has "seven days before the event to cancel the use of the stage." He and Council President Collier said they reviewed multiple artist contracts in developing the budget.
Council members discussed contingency planning if weather forced an indoor move. Councilor Chester W. Porter suggested securing a secondary location; Council President Collier said he spoke with Bessemer Civic Center Director Terry Dawson about availability. Dawson said the civic center already had events scheduled on July 3 and that, if moved indoors, the sound technician would need to provide their own equipment. Dawson said the grand ballroom seats about 1,000 in theater style.
City officials addressed safety and logistics. Mayor Gulley asked about reimbursement for stage costs if the venue changed and how long the festival would run; Collier said the event was planned for four hours. Attorney Killings asked the council to consider attendee safety measures. Bessemer Police Chief Gary Carmichael said the department has discussed possible assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and raised a particular concern about "how the perimeter of the venue would be secured if there is no gate to ensure that all attendees enter from a single point."
Councilor Donna Thigpen noted a contract price discrepancy that needed correction. Attorney Killings told the council the total for performers and the DJ would be $40,550 and that a deposit of $16,050 was required to secure contracts and the event date. Mayor Gulley said performers must complete a W-9 before checks are issued.
Councilor Chester W. Porter moved to approve paying the deposit and to cap the event budget at $45,000; Councilor Teco Stephens seconded. The council recorded ayes from Councilors Teco Stephens, Donna Thigpen, Chester W. Porter and Jarvis Collier; there were no nays and the motion carried. The council adjourned after the vote.
The resolution becomes effective immediately upon adoption; contracts and any further vendor arrangements will proceed under the mayor's authorization and applicable purchasing rules.
