Summer Festivals Could Be Cut From City Budget

By: | NBC4i.com
Published: December 15, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Food and music along the downtown Riverfront is a staple for summer nights in Columbus.

FAST FACTS:

* The city faces a $60 to $80 million shortfall for 2009.
* Mayor Michael Coleman has already proposed 130 layoffs, the closure of 12 recreation centers and pools and a hiring freeze for police and fire.
* Now, festivals are on the possible cut list.

The recreation and parks department is looking at a 21 percent cut to its budget next year, NBC 4's Tanya Hutchins reported.

Two of the biggest festivals -- the Jazz and Rib Fest and Festival Latino -- cost $234,000 combined.

Festival Latino showcases Latin culture every summer and draws large crowds, but next year's festival is in jeopardy. Organizers need nearly $130,000 that the city usually provides.

"We always have people coming from Cleveland, Cincinnati, as far away as Indiana to come out here and participate or watch a show," said Jacqueline Baires, of Festival Latino.

She is looking for private sponsors to step in to make sure the show goes on.

Recreation and Parks department Director Alan McKnight is looking at options as well as for both Festival Latino and the Jazz and Rib Fest.

"They do a lot for downtown, bringing people downtown. Everyone expects these events to happen and a lot of people will be disappointed if they do not continue," McKnight said.

It takes about $115,000 to produce the Jazz and Rib Fest.

Privately sponsored festivals like Red, White & Boom! will go on as planned.

Columbus City Council expects their meeting to go late into the night. Other issues that will be discussed Monday include panhandling.

Council plans to vote on increasing the scope of aggressive panhandling and will be discussing improper solicitation after dark.

Council also plans to vote on approving $50,000 for the Northland Alliance.

The money would help revitalize the state Route 161 corridor where businesses are struggling and closing their doors.

Northland Alliance wants to create a special improvement district and plans to create a petition drive toward that effort.