OCEAN CITY — With the 25th anniversary of Winterfest of Lights quickly approaching, resort officials this week approved additional funding for enhancements, but not before a continued debate about the town’s spending habits.
During the fiscal year 2018 budget deliberations last spring, the council approved enhancements for Winterfest of Lights, particularly because this year will mark the 25th anniversary of the popular special event. Special Events Director Frank Miller was tasked with spending the allocated $79,000 for new structures in the Winterfest of Lights village.
As it turns out, Miller was able to accomplish the approved enhancements at a cost considerably less than what was budgeted. City Manager Doug Miller told the Mayor and Council on Tuesday Frank Miller was asking to utilize the savings to really ramp up the improvements to Winterfest.
“In fiscal year 2018, we provided Frank Miller with $79,000 to redo some of the structures for Winterfest,” he said. “He was able to get an honest supplier to build those structures at an actual cost of around $46,000. He would like to spend the remaining money that was already budgeted, not additional money, at around $33,000 to enhance the Winerfest set-up.”
Miller explained the proposed enhancements included some new displays, poinsettias, pre-lit Christmas trees at various heights, improved audio and sound systems, LED lights and other décor. He explained the $33,000 remaining in the line item would fund the improvements at Winterfest.
Councilman Wayne Hartman asked if the enhancements represented a one-time expense or if they were going to be recurring costs each year. Doug Miller explained most if not all of the proposed enhancements would be used year after year. Hartman pointed out while he could support the improvements to Winterfest, they represented another example of always finding a way to spend excess funding.
“It wasn’t long ago that I made the comment any time we have excess money, we find a way to spend it,” he said. “If that excess money wasn’t there, what would we do?”
Doug Miller said the proposed enhancements would not be done if the money was not saved from the initial funding allocation.
“We would do without,” he said. “This is just an opportunity to enhance it with money that has already been allocated.”
Council President Lloyd Martin said the town is always looking for ways to improve its special events and supported allocating the excess funds for the enhancements.
“We’ve been trying to enhance Winterfest and this money was allocated for that purpose,” he said. “I think we can let Frank put this money to work and really enhance Winterfest. I think it’s a good idea.”
Councilman Matt James also pointed out this year will mark the 25th anniversary of Winterfest of Lights.
“It sounds like most of these items can be used after the fact and in the following years,” he said. “It sounds like Frank is trying to do something really special for the 25th anniversary.”
Councilman Dennis Dare agreed the fact it will be the 25th anniversary of Winterfest of Lights made the decision to allocate the excess funds easier. He pointed point the request was to spend money already budgeted.
“That’s a good point,” he said. “I know what Councilman Hartman is saying, but balance that out with the fact he was able to go out and get what was initially approved with that amount of savings. These are capital improvements and not something that is going to recur each year.”
Hartman agreed it probably made sense to use the excess funding for the enhancements because of the anniversary year, but reiterated his point about always finding a way to spend excess funding.
“It is a big anniversary and that makes a difference,” he said. “As far as the department heads being under budget, that’s a great thing, but this just seems like another example of spending the excess money. With this being the anniversary year, I understand the need for it. I’d just like to see one day when we have excess money that it goes back into the general fund.”
Councilman John Gehrig pointed out while Winterfest remains one of the top winter special events, it runs the risk of becoming stale if enhancements aren’t made from time to time.
“The reality is, this is our premiere winter event and it has been the same for a while,” he said. “We all agree it was worth the effort during the budget cycle. Frank might have found a way to save us money next year.”
Gehrig pointed out the holiday festival season has become much more competitive in recent years with neighboring communities attempting to mimic Ocean City’s success with Winterfest.
“The reality is there are similar situations and events being put on by our neighbors,” he said. “If we’re going to continue to invest in our product and be a destination in the winter, we need to invest in what we want to do both downtown and uptown with Winterfest to stay ahead of the competition.”
The council voted unanimously to approve the requested allocation.
