Commission discusses use of $30,000 for county celebration, favors application process over direct management

Dickinson County commissioners and staff discussed options for spending a previously approved $30,000 allocation for county celebrations and event support.

County staff described possible uses including participation in a parade, purchase of reusable vinyl banners to be shared by multiple community groups, or disbursing money as grants for individual events. Commissioners raised concerns about the administrative burden of managing banner checkouts and suggested allowing community groups to manage their own signage while the county provides a small, reusable inventory and an application-based grant for event expenses.

Staff said an application will open March 1, following a form similar to a prior program. They asked the commission for guidance on whether funds should be spent directly on county-owned displays or managed as grants; commissioners generally favored opening the application, vetting requests, and letting the community decide spending through a competitive process.

"We've talked about being in the parade, a banner, things like that... If the funding comes out of the 30,000... or if it comes out of our miscellaneous funds, how you wanna move forward with that," a county staff member said while explaining options and the application timeline. Staff said they will bring vetted applications back for final commission approval.