Nonprofit asks township to continue donation
Organizers of the annual Washington County Wine, Jazz & Pops Festival made a request of their host municipality Tuesday.
Bracken Burns, past president of the Mental Health Association of Washington County board, asked North Strabane supervisors to allow the nonprofit agency to continue to use the municipal park without a charge for its annual fundraiser.
“The board of volunteers puts hundreds of hours into one activity,” said Burns. “If there was a fee, it’s maybe not something we can do anymore.”
The agency hosts the annual event, which features wineries, food and specialty vendors and jazz and pops performances by area musicians, to help fund its mission of providing mental health education, support and advocacy services. Burns said the event, being held Aug. 6 and 7 this year, does not make a huge profit, and if there is a charge to use the facility, the agency may not be able to hold it in the future.
On May 31, supervisors voted to charge a flat rate for pavilion rentals, regardless of use. Chairman Brian Spicer said he intends to honor that action.
“If an organization wants (to use the park) and make money, we should make money,” Spicer said.
He said it costs the township about $800 for such events, including cleanup and having a staff member present. “I don’t believe this board should give you free usage.”
Pavilion rentals range from $75 to $250 a day, plus the cost of an alcohol permit. Spicer recommended that the agency come up with a rental fee that would be reasonable.
Burns and David Jenco, executive director of the agency, said the township benefits in that the event and venue are widely advertised.
Supervisor Sonia Stopperich Sulc said the annual festival benefits the township because it introduces people to the park who might never otherwise visit.
Supervisors will vote on the matter at their next meeting, at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
In related business, supervisors will interview seven candidates for the newly formed recreational facilities manager position. Township Manager Frank Siffrinn said the township received 27 applications for the job, which offers an annual salary of $35,000 to $50,000, plus benefits.
The full-time manager will be responsible for daily operations and scheduling at the municipal park and developing a future YMCA facility.