Friday, May 27, 2011

Muskegon County board reinstates contribution to Muskegon Heights festival, but at a reduced figure

Muskegon County board reinstates contribution to Muskegon Heights festival, but at a reduced figure MLive.com
"The vote Tuesday was 6-5 with Commissioners Scott Plummer, Rillastine Wilkins, Lew Collins, Ben Cross, Anthony Longmire and Ken Mahoney voting yes.
The no votes came from Commissioners Bob Scolnik, John Snider, Jim Derezinski, Marvin Engle and Alan Jager.
Wilkins, who represents Muskegon Heights on the county board, said the city's festival depends on the county's contribution based on previous years.

“It's kind of sad to cut it off right now when all the plans have gone in for this year's event,” Wilkins said.
Longmire called it “borderline hypocrisy” to deny the Muskegon Heights festival request while granting a contribution to the pageant.

Snider said he believes the accommodations tax should be used for the benefit of the entire county.
“It is not a function of county government to be charitable,” Snider said, adding that he sympathizes for the festival this close to the event.

The county board considered several options during the meeting. Motions were made for different financial amounts, private donations were offered and a suggestion was made that the Community Foundation For Muskegon County should be approached about helping to fund the festival this year."

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