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Council liaison says she can no longer organize Veneta Haunts and Fourth of July; board weighs options
Summary
Council Liaison Alexa Benson told the Park Board she cannot continue organizing Veneta Haunts and the Fourth of July because she plans to focus on transitional housing work, and she proposed staff flexibility, a part-time events organizer, a small utility fee, or a budget increase as possible solutions.
Council Liaison Alexa Benson told the Park Board on Jan. 7 that, after reflection, she would "not be able to continue organizing the Veneta Haunts and Fourth of July events" because she wants to redirect her time toward transitional housing and homeless issues in Veneta. Benson estimated the events require substantial work—about 40–55 hours for the Fourth of July and roughly 120–140 hours for Veneta Haunts—and said that manpower, not interest, is the limiting factor.
Benson suggested several possible approaches to preserve the events: "Flex staff time so employees could work events instead of regular hours," hire a part-time event organizer, add a small fee to monthly city bills to offset labor costs, or ask the City Council for a larger events budget. Board members expressed strong support for continuing the events, citing community-building value; Member Betsy Ingram said events make Veneta a desirable place to live, and Member Rebecca Cox noted they highlight the city’s parks. Chair Tressa Miller said she will raise the matter during the Monday City Council public comment period to seek direction on next steps.
The board did not adopt a single solution at the meeting; members directed staff and the chair to bring the issue to the City Council and to return items to a future Park Board meeting for more detailed planning.
