Project Revival asks West Milton for $10,000 to sustain ‘Rock the Hill’; council to discuss at workshop

A written correspondence from Project Revival asking the village to contribute $10,000 toward the Rock the Hill event was presented at the Feb. 10 council meeting. The letter, signed by Sarah Cop, president of Project Revival, said Rock the Hill costs approximately $10,000–$15,000 and has been privately funded through sponsorships and donations. The correspondence requested that the municipality consider a $10,000 contribution to sustain the event.

During public comment a resident involved with Project Revival said the event drew about 3,200 people last year, that sponsorships and volunteer labor make the event possible, and that Project Revival had secured about $9,750 in 2025 toward events and programs. The speaker added that the event focuses on community building rather than generating revenue.

Council members discussed prior event funding, noting the village had contributed roughly $12,000 for fireworks in the prior year and has approximately $20,000 budgeted for events this year. Members agreed to put the Project Revival request on the agenda for a workshop at the end of the month for fuller discussion, including potential funding options and possible ways to increase sponsorships or revenue generation without charging admission.

Councilors and staff urged community members to participate in sponsorship and volunteer efforts, and asked staff to prepare more detailed budget context for the workshop. No appropriation or commitment was made at the Feb. 10 meeting; the item was deferred to workshop discussion.