Reservoir board reconsiders event fee - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Reservoir board reconsiders event fee

It was a perfect example of what public outcry can do. Thursday morning at the reservoir board meeting, members reconsidered a proposal to charge a 10 percent overall fee for two popular events held every year at Old Trace Park. 

The first order of business was a motion to rethink fees charged by the reservoir, which came from Mayor Gene McGee of Ridgeland, a board member.  

"I think we need to re-look at the fees that we charge, obviously there were a number of concerns from a lot of people," said McGee. 

Reservoir board president Jack Winstead immediately put the issue before the full board for a vote.  

"What this means is at the proper time we will sit down and vote, with the adjustments we need to make.

All in favor of this motion say aye. Those opposed, like sign, said Winstead. 

The president and conductor of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, which performs at Pepsi Pops, was delighted with the board reaction.  

"We see this a way to better help us and at the same time make it possible for us to continue, doing what we do," said Michael Beattie. 

Kasey Perry, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce director, was very concerned about the cost of the two events and what the 10 percent could do to them.  

"We wouldn't have been able to put the events on for a third year," said Perry. "No matter how you looked at it, anywhere from six to fifteen thousand dollars, it just depends again on what, ah the way that you read the policy." 

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