Saying the lack of predictability had been a problem and that the goal was to make the expenses paid to the borough more predictable while also being respectful to the taxpayers, Gettysburg Borough Council President Wes Heyser presented a proposed fixed fee schedule for hosting parades in 2022.
The proposed pricing varies on the length of the parade route and ranges from about $4,000 to $5,500 per parade.
The fees cover expenses including setting up and removing security barriers, traffic control, and cleanup. Heyser said the fixed fee would be honored for parade organizers even if borough costs exceeded the amount charged. The fees were calculated based on the use of both volunteer traffic monitors as well as police officers directing traffic.
Heyser said borough staff, including the police department, would not charge any administrative fees for the parades.
Memorial Day parade organizer Barry Decker said finding the funds to continue to hold the parade would be difficult. “It’s a struggle,” he said, saying funds had been difficult to find. The council reminded Decker the borough had already committed to contribute $1,000 to this year’s parade to help reduce costs for the organizers.
Council member Matt Moon said there was no guarantee the borough would continue to support the Memorial Day parade in the future. “This falls on the backs of the taxpayers,” said council-member Patti Lawson.
Farmers Market
The Adams County Farmers Market presented an update to the council, focusing in large part on how the market helps business and underserved populations.
Farmers Market board member and Healthy Adams County Executive Director, Kathy Gaskin said her organization supports the market as it works to “make sure everyone in the county has access to fresh, nutritious food and at the same time supporting our local growers.” Gaskin said Healthy Adams County receives almost $100K per year from the Gettysburg Hospital Association to support the Healthy Options and doubling programs for SNAP and senior citizens.
Market Director Reza Djalal said the access programs are growing every year and that 1,200 low-income individuals participated and received over $66,000 in benefits in 2021. “We are reaching the intended recipients of these programs,” he said.
Two market vendors spoke to the council, praising the market for providing the opportunity to partner with them.
Thanking the many local organizations who help make the market possible, Djalal said there was a “sophisticated internal and intentional project going on behind the scenes to cultivate an inclusive and vibrant community space to support regional agriculture and support local businesses.”
Djalal said there were 36 vendors at the market last summer and that the market served as an incubator for local businesses. Djalal pointed out that low vendor fees of only $250 annually help make the market possible and said vendor sales increased by 66 percent from 2020 to 2021.
The market “fosters health and happiness for residents in Adams County and tourists as well,” he said.
In terms of a new site for later in 2022 or 2023 when they will have to leave the current Gettysburg Station site, Djalal said several sites were under consideration but no announcements could be made at this time.
The last four seasons have been phenomenal for the Farmers Market. The special weekends were so packed with people,” said Lawson.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.