Webb balances taxpayer, commerce concerns in pavilion pricing

The Town of Webb Board reached a resolution on Tuesday to update the usage fees for groups wanting to rent the North Street pavilion.

Earlier this year the board examined the existing fees and decided they should be increased to better cover town expenses relating to the facility.

The board decided to implement a new “for-profit” rate of $600 a day, up from $250.

Several in the business community balked, saying the profit margins of many events are not sufficient currently to cover the additional cost.

The Central Adirondack Association (CAA), which represents area businesses and seeks to entice economic activity, urged the board to take a more incremental approach.

This would allow existing events to adjust operations to keep profitability.

And it would prevent smaller-margin events from being priced out completely.

The Town of Webb Board agreed to revisit the issue.Councilman Mike Ross has been serving as point person in weighing the interests of the events community and the town.

Ross presented a preliminary fee proposal to the full board at its monthly meeting in September.

Last Tuesday, a revised version was discussed in detail.

Councilman Ross cited several events that had been helped into existence with much thanks owed to the pavilion’s traditional affordability.

The Old Forge Gun Show and Brooker Home Show to name two.

It is not the town’s intention to discourage those wanting to create and organize events, Ross said.

He added that these organizers often invest considerable time and resources, and the assumption of large profits isn’t always accurate.

Ross said he understands and respects the work these folks do and its value to the community.

Councilwoman Mary Brophy-Moore acknowledged the need to address CAA concerns, but emphasized that town concerns also exist.

And commercial enterprises that conduct events at the pavilion are enticed by profit to do so, generally speaking, she said.

“They’re not doing it to help the town, let’s put it that way,” she said.

And costs to the town need to be covered as much as possible by those holding the events.

“The people putting the events on are… called ‘for-profits’ because they are making money on this event. Their usage fee for the building is built into their event cost, always,” Moore said.

Supervisor Ted Riehle agreed that certain expenses should not be borne by the town.

As examples, he and Moore cited electricity, clean-up, and basic supplies such as paper towels, hand soap, and garbage bags.

The fee is simply intended to offset costs of this kind, Riehle said.

The consensus of the board was that the pavilion should not be considered a town money-maker in a direct sense, particularly with regard to fees.

Councilman J.B. Herron said it is proper that the town encourage events while recognizing their ancillary importance to the economy.

These events draw visitors and promote local commerce, both at the event and elsewhere in the community.

And a portion of sales taxes generated gets returned through county distribution, Herron said.

Ultimately the board agreed unanimously to charge $350 per day to “profit” groups for their first two days’ use of the pavilion. Additional days will cost $100 each.

Not-for-profit groups, which includes family events, will pay $75 a day.

All will be required to pay a $500 security deposit, though the deposit will be re-viewable for non-profits on a case-by-case basis.

Use of the kitchen will be $50 a day, plus a $250 deposit.

Councilwoman Kate Russell is taking the lead on a fee proposal for McCauley Mountain.