Council, chamber discuss new trustee agreement and parade costs; members ask for a la carte participation plan

St. Cloud — Council and representatives of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce discussed a proposed trustee-level partnership that would reduce the city’s prior full sponsorship level to a smaller base membership while allowing “pay-to-play” participation in specific events.

Chamber representatives said their board recommended a trustee-level relationship priced at $15,000 with the option for additional a la carte purchases (event sponsorships, tickets or special projects). City staff and chamber representatives said details about the Christmas parade — a long-standing community event — should be considered in any final agreement; staff told the council the city waived $6,686 in city-related fees for last year’s parade and an earlier agreement listed $8,000 specifically for the parade.

Council members asked the chamber to produce a clearer, detailed list of benefits and costs tied to participation levels so the city can compare a smaller trustee contribution with the prior larger agreement. Several councilors suggested the city keep a placeholder in the budget for a community partnership but asked that Council member Paul (a chamber board member) work with the chamber to identify which events the city should support financially.

Chamber board members said their proposal includes meeting space for events (two marina events and two community-center events), quarterly luncheons and support for parades and signature events — all intended to promote St. Cloud’s businesses and visibility. Dirk Webb, the chamber’s representative in the meeting, said the board will review council feedback and return with recommended specifics.

There was no formal contract execution at the meeting; council members asked staff and the chamber to return with a clarified cost breakdown and parade-cost estimate before final action.