Commissioners pledge to explore help after CRA cancels Day of the Dead festival

A commissioner told the commission that the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) had voted to cancel this year's Day of the Dead festival, prompting several commissioners to urge the city to help preserve the event.

One commissioner said she was “very upset” that the CRA canceled the “only festival that celebrates Hispanic culture” and reported scrambling to find sponsors and volunteers to salvage the event. Commissioners discussed staffing shortages at the CRA, potential sponsorships (Benny’s offered beverage support), and volunteer leadership (Richard Myler texted that he would run the festival if needed).

Commissioner Anthony Segrech noted the festival budget had been about $24,000 and suggested exploring county tourism development funds and the cultural council for support; he also said the city pays “well over $2,000,000 a year” into the tourist development tax, a point raised to argue for seeking county help. Vice Mayor May and other commissioners agreed to “help in any way we can” and asked staff to consult with CRA leaders and tourism partners about options. The commission indicated consensus to pursue assistance, which may include seeking a budget amendment if out-of-cycle funding is required.

No formal budget appropriation was approved at the pre-agenda meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with options and potential funding sources before any commitment of city funds.