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Council authorizes community fundraising for new Vernonia welcome sign
Summary
Mayor Hobart presented a plan to replace the south‑of‑town Vernonia welcome sign with a metal-cutout panel and cedar accents. Council authorized two community volunteers to pursue fundraising and a vendor mock-up; the city will not lead the bulk of the project funding absent later council action.
Mayor Hobart presented a proposed replacement for the south-of-town Vernonia welcome sign and asked the council whether to permit a community-led fundraising effort to cover construction and installation costs.
The mayor said bids obtained so far include a Pacific Stainless quote of $5,375 for a metal cutout panel and a separate vendor (identified in the presentation as State of Assembly) estimating $3,400 plus $634.60 for wrap/assembly work; the presenter said he would pay $340 for a design mock-up and that cost would be deducted from the project if the council agreed to proceed. Mayor Hobart said the intent is a community-driven campaign with the city’s involvement limited unless council later chooses to contribute funds.
Councilors asked about procurement, whether multiple bids would be required, and whether the city budget would provide funds. Staff advised that if the sign remains a community project, the city would not need to run a formal procurement; if the city contributes funds later it would follow public procurement rules. A motion to authorize Rick and Donald to move forward with community fundraising and to obtain the mock-up passed on a recorded voice vote.
The council did not appropriate full city funds for the sign at the Oct. 21 meeting; members suggested pursuing local grants (for example, the Columbia County Cultural Coalition or other community grants) and tracking donations before returning to council for any budget action.
