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Riverhead debates fees, uses and future of town showmobile as staff flag recurring cost shortfalls
Summary
Town staff reported that operating the municipal showmobile costs roughly $1,400–$2,000 per outing and that frequent private use has left the town subsidizing many events; the board weighed raising fees, restricting private use, or selling the unit and buying a smaller stage for in-house events.
Town staff told the Riverhead Town Board on April 2 that the town’s showmobile—a mobile stage used for parades, festivals and private events—has been repeatedly used for private events at rates that do not cover operating and staffing costs.
Staff calculations presented at the work session estimate a typical 10-hour showmobile outing costs roughly $1,400–$2,000 once vehicle transportation, municipal garage towing, set-up and staffing (including overtime) are included. Officials said the unit was used many times last year for private events with limited fee recovery and that town staff sometimes need to remain on site for safety and operation.
Council members and staff discussed three paths: (1) adopt a fee schedule intended to recover actual costs (examples discussed included a base fee for the first hours plus per-hour add-ons and a sound-system charge), (2) restrict use to town-sponsored and nonprofit civic events with sponsors covering costs, or (3) sell the showmobile and procure a smaller rental-stage package for municipal events to reduce maintenance/operational overhead. Several council members asked staff to provide an inventory of booked dates and a recommended effective date for any new fees so existing commitments are honored.
What happens next: Staff will compile usage and revenue totals, present a fee proposal timed for the off-season (recommendations discussed for a January 1 effective date), and include options for either revised fees, a town-only usage policy, or sale-and-replace with a smaller staged rental.
