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Commission recommends up to $6,000 for OC Triathlon; amendment earmarks funds for scholarships/para athletes
Summary
Faced with rising event costs, the commission debated a $12,000 funding/fee-waiver request from 5 Point Events for the Orange County Triathlon and adopted an amended recommendation to city council to provide up to $6,000 — preferably earmarked for scholarships or para-athlete support.
Mark, Recreation and Community Services staff, told commissioners the city received a request from 5 Point Events asking the city to contribute or waive up to $12,000 to support the annual Orange County Triathlon at Lake Mission Viejo. He said the event's costs are driven largely by security and sheriff's department fees and provided a historical cost figure: "If we just look at 2024, the cost was about $25,200," Mark said.
Brandon, representing the event operator, described the participant mix and rising expenses and framed the request as helping absorb city fees: "The the ask is to we put on this great community event." Commissioners questioned why city funds should support a for-profit promoter and whether funding should be a cash check or fee waivers; some members also suggested limiting or earmarking any support for community benefit. After debate, Commissioner Career (motion) proposed an amendment to recommend up to $6,000, preferably earmarked for scholarship aid or para athletes; that amended motion passed by oral roll call and will be forwarded to city council for final action.
Commissioners discussed economic benefits (hotel stays and spending by out-of-area participants) and community partnerships (donations to police explorers and volunteer support). The commission's recommendation to council leaves final authority to the city council on whether to cut a check or waive fees and on the precise distribution of funds.
