TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recommendation Memorandum for Event Cost Reduction Strategies.
Recommended Action
I move to direct the City Manager to draft a fee schedule for bounce houses and specialized activities at special events, and to develop a sponsorship strategy to offset event costs, to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
City Commission Options
Option 1: I move to direct the City Manager to draft a fee schedule for bounce houses and specialized activities at special events, and to develop a sponsorship strategy to offset event costs, to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
• Pro: This option actively addresses rising event costs and creates multiple new municipal revenue streams through user fees and corporate partnerships.
• Con: It may face resistance from residents accustomed to free activities and creates an immediate administrative burden for City staff to develop fee structures, collection methods, and sponsorship packets.
Option 2: I move to direct the City Manager to explore event sponsorship opportunities and/or a sponsorship program, to be brought back to the City Commission for review.
• Pro: This approach generates potential revenue to offset municipal costs while keeping events inclusive, family-friendly, and completely free for residents.
• Con: It relies heavily on variable sponsorship income that is not guaranteed and requires dedicated staff time and marketing efforts to secure and manage.
Option 3: I move to decline further action at this time and direct the City Clerk to notify the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
• Pro: Declining action guarantees that City events remain completely free and accessible for all community members without creating any new administrative workload or logistical changes.
• Con: It fails to address the rising costs of hosting municipal events, leaving potential revenue on the table.
Background Information
During the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting held on March 19, 2026, the Board unanimously passed two recommendations aimed at offsetting the costs of City special events. The Board recommended the following City Commission actions:
• Implement user fees for bounce houses and specialized activities at special events.
• Explore event sponsorship opportunities.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. PRAB Memo - Event Cost Reductions
Prepared by: Matt Powell, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Department Director: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk