Afternoon Budget Workshop to discuss funding for Shrimp Festival, Library, Non-profits

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

Agenda items to be discussed at a 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 12 budget workshop will involve issues such as City funding for Shrimp Festival, the Fernandina Beach Branch of the Nassau County Library, and funding to various non-profit organizations.  The meeting will be held at the City Commission Chambers at 2nd and Ash and available for viewing through live steaming on the City website.

For years,the City of Fernandina Beach has sponsored the Shrimp Festival. The City’s contribution involves trash removal  during the three day festival.  The budgeted amount is $35,000.  Commissioner Gass, and Mayor Pelican voiced support to eliminate the $35,000 budget item.

Research Data Services, Inc. hired by the A.I. Tourism Development Council in 2011, estimates the Shrimp Festival’s economic impact for the community at $8,566,900. In addition, some 50 non-profits participate in the festival event mostly serving as food  vendors. Total revenue generated for non-profits amounts to  $400,000.

Another budget item involves the annual payment the City gives to the county for the Fernandina library branch.  Although this  $51,000 item appeared in the 2012-2013 budget funds have yet to be disbursed to the county.

The future of the $51,000 annual contribution in the 2013-2014 budget is also up for discussion creating concern that such a move will disrupt progress made by library supporters to bring an enhanced and expanded library to the community.

Funding for various non-profit organizations that provide services to the community such as the Council on Aging, Barnabas, Starting Point (formerly known as Nassau County Mental Health), A.I. Museum of History, and Micah’s Place is also up for review.  In previous discussions with non-profits, funding from the City helps increase a non-profit’s ability to obtain grants for their programs.  Mayor Sarah Pelican and Commissioner Gass oppose non-profit funding.

The agenda follows:

PAYMENT TO ADVANCED DISPOSAL (CITY€™S SPONSORSHIP FOR SHRIMP FEST)

REVIEW CHANGES MADE TO THE PROPOSED FY 13/14 BUDGET SINCE JULY 30

5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

REVIEW PARKS & RECREATION FEE SCHEDULE

August 12, 2013 12:15 p.m.