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Council signals support for RPOA's $25,500 event funding request, urges smaller outreach and stronger safety plans
Summary
Ross Council indicated consensus to include $25,500 in the FYE27 budget for the Ross Property Owners' Association while urging RPOA to scale event promotion, improve cleanup, and plan for increased police overtime and security for larger crowds.
The Ross Property Owners' Association requested $25,500 in FYE27 funding for community events including Live on the Common and the Turkey Trot. Town Manager Christa Johnson summarized the request and noted shared event costs and existing Town support for community programs.
Council discussed event scale, overlap with the Town Dinner (which could save around $10,000 if skipped), and public-safety consequences of unusually large crowds. RPOA representative Jeff Koblick said recent turnout spiked because a band promoted widely and committed to limiting future outreach to keep events local. Chief Pata said outside mutual aid is declining "due to liability and competing demands," requiring more internal police overtime and resources to safely staff large events.
Council recommended adjustments to event promotion, security, and cleanup plans and expressed support for including the $25,500 request in the budget with conditions on scale and permit requirements. Town Manager Johnson asked RPOA to return to planners with changes to reduce regional outreach and improve recycling/cleanup and security coordination.
