Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Troy approves one‑year Turkey Trot contract with ARE after council votes to require future RFP
Summary
Council approved a contract with ARE Event Productions to manage the Troy Turkey Trot but amended the resolution to a one‑year agreement (6‑1 on the amendment) and then approved the amended resolution unanimously, directing staff to issue an RFP as soon as practicable.
Troy — The Troy City Council on July 9 authorized a contract with ARE Event Productions to manage the annual Troy Turkey Trot but amended the proposal to a one‑year agreement after debate over issuing a competitive request for proposals (RFP).
Josh Marillis, owner of AR Event Productions, told the council ARE’s work last year improved packet pickup, sponsorship activation and charitable fundraising; he said the event donated about $40,000 to charities last year and that a multi‑year contract would help secure more sponsor revenue. “We would love to exceed that amount given to the charities,” Marillis said, explaining how longer lead time and sponsor development could increase contributions.
Some council members argued for letting the arrangement remain short term and seeking competitive bids next year. One council member moved to amend the contract to a one‑year term in order to put the event out to RFP in 2027; that amendment passed 6‑1. The council then approved the amended resolution to authorize the one‑year contract by a recorded 7‑0 vote and directed staff to initiate an RFP process as soon as feasible.
What happens next: Administration will execute a one‑year contract with ARE to manage the 2026 Turkey Trot and pursue an RFP process for future years, with council members asking that the RFP be issued promptly after the race to preserve planning timelines.
