Fee Waivers for City-Supported Special Events (R-8-26)
City of Annapolis
Summary
A $7,000 fee waiver for the Clydesdale event sparked a broader question: why does the city have fees it almost always waives? The committee wants the events manager to brief it and may develop criteria or an annual budget cap for waivers.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 24, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
This waiver alone is about $7,000 — roughly 15 cents per resident — and total annual waivers may exceed $100,000.
Event organizers who know to ask for waivers — but smaller, less-connected groups may be missing out.
Organizations that don't know to ask or lack a champion may be left out; fee revenue earmarked for public safety and parking goes uncollected.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council (Special) - Oct 26, 2026
The Clydesdales waiver exposed that the city has no criteria for waiving fees — the council will study a formal policy and possibly a cap.
Finance Committee - Regular Meeting - Oct 21, 2026
A $7,000 fee waiver for the Clydesdale event sparked a broader question: why does the city have fees it almost always waives? The committee wants the events manager to brief it and may develop criteria or an annual budget cap for waivers.
Finance Committee - Special Meeting - Sep 24, 2026
The Military Bowl parade waiver triggered a debate over whether the city needs written criteria for waiving fees, since waivers now cost the city significant money and some groups ask because 'we never say no.' No criteria was adopted, but the discussion will continue.
City Council (Special) - Apr 27, 2026
The council waived certain city fees for next year's supported special events — and added Eastport a Rockin' to the list via an amendment. Event organizers save on city fees; the city forgoes that revenue.
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