Council debates budgeting placeholder for Heritage Classic event funding

Councilors spent part of the workshop debating whether to reflect an assumed sponsorship for the RBC Heritage (Heritage Classic) event in the FY2027 budget. Staff explained the proposed budget includes a $400,000 placeholder associated with the event; the presentation also listed $65,000 for banners and associated event costs.

Concerns from council: Several members said they support the event’s public-value argument but objected to budgeting a full pre-commitment without a formal request and review. One councilor said having the number in the budget gives the public the impression the council has already committed the funds, and asked that the council either keep only the previously spent, recurring banner amount in the line ($65,000) or move the remainder to general-fund balance until an agreement and a formal request arrive. Another councilor asked that the event organizers present an after-action report so the council can evaluate what worked and what did not before committing the full placeholder.

Staff rationale and alternatives: Orlando said past practice has varied; sometimes sponsorships were added via budget amendment midyear, other times included in the original budget. He offered two options: leave the $400,000 in the budget with an agreement to follow, or move the larger amount into fund balance and add funds later by amendment once council has reviewed an explicit request.

Next steps: Councilors asked staff to revise line-item language for clarity and to request an after-action report from event organizers; staff said they could revise the budget exhibit and bring clearer wording to second reading and to F&A for further process discussion.