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Residents Ask for Written Policy as Town Funds Pride and Junth Events
Summary
Questions about the town's Community Enrichment Fund and use of town resources for privately run events prompted calls for a clear written policy; the board said the fund totals $13,000 and that Pride and Junth have been allocated discretionary amounts.
Residents and event organizers asked the Town Board for clear, written rules for use of the Community Enrichment Fund and for transparency about when private events receive town sponsorship and resources.
Samantha Zapiro said she had spoken with Tony Gonzalez and was told there was no written procedure for how events are defined, approved, or funded. "In the interest of fairness and transparency, I think there should be a written procedure and a public vote on the use of discretionary funds for privately hosted events," she said.
Parks & Recreation staff (Nicole) explained that the town maintains a 'community enrichment' line in the Parks and Recreation budget that was increased this year. Nicole said the fund now totals $13,000 after a $5,000 increase; she reported that Pride expenditures to date were $4,145 from the town line and Junth is expected to use about $775, with additional ArtsWestchester grant support for Junth of $3,000 for arts/entertainment.
Simone O'Connor and other commenters questioned why some groups (for example, the Gab Baldi Society) were denied community enrichment funding while others were supported. Board members said the events in question have in some years been designated "town-sponsored" with private-organizer involvement, and the board and staff described past informal practices rather than a consistent written policy.
What happens next: Several residents asked the board to draft and publish a clear application and approval process for town sponsorship and discretionary event funding. Staff said that the matter had been discussed in the Parks & Recreation Advisory Council previously but no formal policy is currently in place and the board asked staff to return with recommendations.
Quotes: "In the interest of fairness and transparency, I think there should be a written procedure and a public vote on the use of discretionary funds for privately hosted events," Samantha Zapiro said.
Ending: The board confirmed the community enrichment line is funded and in use, agreed staff will draft clearer written guidance, and noted that some event costs have also been offset by private donations and ArtsWestchester grant support.
