Brat Fest asks city to waive fees for at least 2 years

BUCYRUS - The Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival will likely operate with no charge from the city for the next two years.

The city's finance committee voted Thursday to waive the festival's charges for both 2017 and 2018. That measure will be considered by the full council March 7.

In years past, the event was required to reimburse the city for charges incurred during the event. Those funds covered the cost of increased police presence during the event, increased city utility expenditures and other costs associated with the three-day celebration. The price tag in 2015 came to $16,500.

By 2016, festival organizers realized they were facing a $7,085.88 budget shortfall. They asked the city for help, and council members decided to waive their 2016 charge.

Kevin Myers, assistant director of the festival, told council members Tuesday the organization had finished the paperwork allowing it to become a 501(c)(4) nonprofit. He said that although the festival had made great progress toward becoming financially stable, it could still use some financial support from the city. Council members had to defer the topic to the city's finance committee.

Myers told the committee Thursday that the price the festival charges vendors will change based on the city's decision to either charge or not charge the festival. Those vendors cannot commit to attending in 2017 until they know how much it will cost.

"They're all scratching their heads and waiting," Myers said.

Some of those vendors have told Myers they will build new displays for future festivals if they know ahead of time that they won't be charged higher rates. Allowing them to financial ability to make such improvements, Myers said, is in tune with the festival's original goal of existing to support the various clubs and organizations of the city.

"For planning purposes, they need to know ahead of time," Myers said.

He asked for a five-year commitment from the city.

"If you're against it, at least give me two years," Myers said.

Councilman Bill O'Rourke, chair of the finance committee, said he was in favor of supporting the festival for at least another year, perhaps two. Others agreed.

"I think we need to be doing this," Councilwoman Monica Sack said.

Bucyrus Law Director Rob Ratliff spoke up to let the committee members know they needed to avoid using the word "budget" in their proposed legislation.

"You can make an agreement not to bill them," Ratliff said. "But the budgeting has to be done annually."

Councilman Steve Pifer said that discussion could be held each fall during the city's special budget meetings.

The measure passed the finance committee with a unanimous vote.

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