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Colfax council votes 3–1 to earmark $15,000 for three major events, leaves $15,000 for nonprofits
Summary
After debate over fairness and planning, the council approved a motion to split a $30,000 economic development/events appropriation—capping $15,000 for July 3, Winterfest and Railroad Days and leaving $15,000 as a general fund for nonprofits. Council directed staff to draft an application process.
The Colfax City Council voted 3–1 to separate an existing $30,000 economic development/events appropriation, placing a $15,000 cap on funding earmarked for the three primary annual events (July 3, Winterfest and Railroad Days) and leaving $15,000 available to other nonprofit applicants.
“I'll make a motion that we separate the 2 funds and keep 15,000 for our pre 3 primary events and allocate the other 15,000 as needed,” Councilmember Sean said when moving the measure; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. Opponents said earmarking could create different classes of applicants and reduce a level playing field; one dissenting member said, “I do not believe that we need to earmark some of the money.”
Supporters argued the split provides predictable planning and transparency for major events that annually draw visitors and require known expenditures. The council majority said the earmark is intended as a cap rather than an automatic disbursement: event organizers will still apply for funds and meet grant requirements. Council directed staff to return with a proposed application process and application deadlines so both the earmarked events and other nonprofits follow the same reporting and accountability steps.
What comes next: staff will prepare the grant-style application and bring it back as a future agenda item for council review and adoption. The motion passed by recorded vote (3–1).
