TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Changes to the Citywide Sponsorship Policy.
Recommended Action
Provide direction on potential changes to the Citywide Sponsorship Policy.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve updates to the Citywide Sponsorship Policy and tier structure as presented.
• Pros:
o Updates will ensure sponsorship tiers align with the increased size, visibility and impact of City events since 2019.
o Modernized tiers and benefits can make sponsorship more appealing and attract larger sponsors, covering a larger percentage of costs.
o Ensures benefits offered to sponsors are proportional to their contribution.
o Reduces reliance on tax dollars.
o Aligns with the City’s commitment to good governance by maintaining transparency and accountability in sponsorship practices.
• Cons:
o Sponsors familiar with the previous structure may resist higher costs or changes to benefits.
o If tiers are set too high, smaller businesses may be excluded, reducing community engagement.
o Requires additional marketing and outreach to be effective.
Option 2: Maintain existing Citywide Sponsorship Policy.
• Pros:
o No disruptions to current sponsorship relationships or expectations.
o No additional staff time required for policy revision or implementation.
• Cons:
o Sponsorship tiers may remain outdated and misaligned with current event scale and costs.
o Missed opportunity to increase sponsorship revenue and cost recovery.
o May limit ability to attract larger sponsors and enhance events.
Option 3: Approve a hybrid of updates to the Citywide Sponsorship Policy.
• Pros:
o Allows Commission to identify specific portions of the policy to update.
o Provides flexibility and opportunity for additional considerations not noted in the current presentation.
• Cons:
o May not fully modernize the policy.
o Could create inconsistencies within the policy.
Background Information
The following provides a chronological order of events regarding the City’s Sponsorship Policy:
Ø June 26, 2018: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, staff presented information on establishing a Citywide Sponsorship Policy. The goal was to create a formal structure for businesses and organizations to partner with the City by providing financial support and event enhancements. In return, sponsors would receive benefits such as promotional exposure and increased visibility.
Ø May 2, 2019: During the City Commission Special Meeting, a formal policy was presented to Commission and adopted under Resolution 2019-R-05.
Since its adoption, the sponsorship policy has not been updated and is not reflective of the true cost of delivering events. Over the years, City events have grown significantly in scale and impact necessitating a review and discussion of potential policy updates. Additionally, current policy language regarding the renewal timelines and payment windows has at times created challenges for sponsors due to their budget cycles and internal approval processes.
Pending Commission discussion and direction, staff will finalize the updates by preparing a revised administrative policy and an amended Resolution. These items will then be brought back for the Commission’s consideration at a future meeting.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
The Citywide Sponsorship Policy provides a framework for accepting financial and in-kind contributions to enhance and expand the City’s ability to deliver events, programs, activities and services. While applicable Citywide, utilization of sponsorships is at the discretion of individual Departments.
During Fiscal Year 2025, the Parks & Recreation Department secured commitments for over $31,000 in cash contributions and $40,818 of in-kind value.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. June 26, 2018, Meeting Minutes
2. May 2, 2019, Meeting Minutes
3. Resolution No. 2019-R-05
4. Sponsorship Presentation
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Trish Sturgess, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Kim Lencki, Community Partnerships & Engagement Manager
Cheryl Greiner, Senior Business Manager
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director