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Board rejects $2,500 sponsorship for Jacksonville Festival of Lights
Summary
Trustees split on whether the Festival of Lights generates measurable tourism benefits for South Jacksonville; the $2,500 sponsorship request failed 2–3 after Trustees questioned whether the village saw economic return.
The Village Board voted against a $2,500 tourism sponsorship for the Jacksonville Festival of Lights at its Oct. 3 meeting.
President Richard Samples presented the sponsorship program, and Trustees discussed whether the village receives measurable tourism or hotel revenue from the event. Trustee Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart asked event organizers to report back on economic benefits in the future; Trustee Steve Retzer said the village has not gained revenue from the event. Attorney Roland Cross cautioned trustees that opinions about economic impact should be backed by evidence before allocating tourism funds.
When the board voted, Trustees Tom Luber and Tom Jordan supported the sponsorship; Trustees Steve Retzer and Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart opposed it, and President Samples cast a deciding no vote. The motion failed 2–3. President Samples said the village can invite a representative to present impact data at a later meeting if the board wants more information.
