The Elgin City Council, having supported Vetch Days to the tune of $10,000 in sales tax funds in recent years, will be doling out less in 2027.
Having heard from Elgin Community Club President Bruce Clark and others associated with the organization, the council cut the donation by 25 percent to $7,500 for this year’s event.
The decision didn’t come easy for the council, but it was clear from the outset of the discussion that this year was going to be different.
Clark said he and other ECC members were present in an effort to keep the carnival free while growing Vetch Days.
“It is the opinion of the community club that all parts of Vetch Days have been better and have continued to grow over the past two years,” he said while noting each year the council awarded $10,000 in sales tax dollars under the title of economic development.
“The biggest change over the last couple of years is the carnival rides have been free,” he said.
Mayor Mike Schmitt said the city definitely wants to keep people coming to town. He went on to point out prior to the last two years, the community club would come together with their members and figure out how they were going to have fundraisers to support this. Pre-sale of carnival tickets was a means, he said for the carnival to be funded in past years. Then, the City had no part in funding the carnival and Vetch Days.
“I want you to see where we are coming from,” Schmitt said.
….see more at this week’s Elgin Review.
