Additional Bushwhacker Days entertainment funds to be included in proposed budget

When the Nevada City Commissioners get a look at the 2024 budget for it's first reading in December, it will include additional money to help pay for entertainment during the 60th Bushwhacker Days in 2024.

On Nov. 14, Jessica Sloniker, Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce director, attended the city's budget work session to request additional funds for the 60th Bushwhacker Days entertainment. During the work session, which focused on budgets for parks and recreation and the general fund, City Manager Mark Mitchell asked Sloniker to put her request in writing so it could be addressed during the regular city council meeting.

On Tuesday, Mitchell said he can pull $45,000 from the tourism reserve fund, which has about $270,000, and put the money in a line item in the proposed budget.

This year, the city granted $50,000 to tourism, with the understanding half would go towards projects and half to Bushwhacker Days. During a previous budget work session, commissioners agreed to granting $75,000 to tourism in the 2024 budget.

Sloniker said she does not want to take money that already has been granted for tourism. She said she wants keep those funds available for projects, such as welcome signs ­ a project that has already begun.

Sloniker said there is a chance the Chamber won't need to spend all of the additional funding. In that case, money not spent will be saved for the next year's Bushwhacker Days.

Mitchell said unless he heard a no from the council, he would include the funds in the proposed budget.

There was not a united commitment from commissioners, either negatively or favorably.

During the meeting, commissioners also took action on a request to temporarily cease disconnecting water service to delinquent water customers during December. See Friday's edition for a report on that discussion.