After public concerns, commission approves purchase of mobile stage for festivals

The Ennis City Commission voted to authorize the purchase of a mobile StageLine SL100 stage, a towable 24x20 mobile stage with accessories, after hearing public comment highlighting lifecycle costs and liability concerns.

Two residents spoke during the citizen comment period. Jeff Krebs, who identified himself as a stage-line certified professional, cautioned that owning and operating a professional mobile stage carries ongoing expenses — transportation, DOT inspections, periodic factory certifications, staff recertification and insurance — and said a $208,000 purchase could amount to a decade of payback given current rental patterns. Holly Lusk asked how the city will cover long‑term training, insurance, storage and liability if staff turnover occurs.

City staff responded that Economic Development Corporation funding has been allocated toward the purchase and that the item was procured through a competitive sealed bid with one responsive bid for the StageLine SL100. Staff said the bid includes delivery and on-site training for up to four staff members and that any third party using the stage would be required to carry liability insurance and sign a use agreement. Staff noted storage at the public works yard is available now and that a fully enclosed storage building could be planned later to protect the asset.

Staff estimated about four months for delivery if the order were placed immediately and said the stage would allow the city to reduce recurring rental costs for events and support both city-hosted and partner-hosted festivals. Commissioners discussed certification renewals, insurance costs, transportation logistics and opportunities to allow third-party partners to use the equipment in kind as an in-kind contribution to events.

Commissioner Falkenbach moved to approve the purchase and Commissioner Jones seconded; the motion carried.