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South Miami approves fee waiver for Soami Art Festival after commissioners debate police cost coverage
Summary
The commission approved a $19,450 fee waiver for the Soami Art Festival (total fees $30,675) after the Rotary Club described a larger-than-expected crowd and local economic benefits; a commissioner objected to waiving police fees and the issue led to a compromise but the waiver passed 4‑0.
The City Commission voted 4‑0 on Aug. 20 to grant a fee waiver for the Soami Art Festival presented by the Foundation of South Miami (the Rotary Club). The full estimated city charges for the event were $30,675; the sponsor requested a waiver of $19,450, which included 50% of direct police and public‑works costs.
Kevin Grace, representing the Rotary Club, told commissioners the rebranded festival drew substantially larger crowds than estimated — organizers estimated as many as 30,000 attendees this year — and reinvested savings from prior waivers into local entertainment, scholarships and grants for youth arts groups. Grace said the festival’s roughly $120,000 budget supports local vendors and restaurants; vendor tables were charged about $750 each.
Commissioner Leaman (recorded objection on the transcript) opposed waiving police fees, citing precedent and the pressure it puts on the city’s budget and policing resources. He urged the commission not to waive off‑duty police costs, which staff estimated at $15,007.30. Supporters, including the motion sponsor, said the Rotary’s volunteer work and the event’s economic draw justified investment by the city.
After discussion about whether the Rotary could reduce production elements (fewer musical acts, a single stage) to lower costs, the commission voted to approve the waiver as requested. The motion was moved by Commissioner Liebman and seconded by Commissioner Corey; the clerk recorded a 4‑0 roll call in favor.
Staff will continue to coordinate operational details with the sponsor, including public‑safety planning and vendor permitting, and the city expects organizer and vendor revenues to offset much of the event cost. The approval included no permanent change to fee policy; commissioners flagged precedent concerns for future similar requests.
