Danville City Council members will consider a budget proposal next week that includes a one-percent hike in the hotel-motel tax. It also includes trimming a position in Public Affairs which is held by the woman who spearheads First Friday events in downtown Danville.
Mayor Rickey Williams asked members of the City Council’s Public Works Committee last night (Tuesday) to support a $1,000 a month stipend so someone can be found to continue working on First Friday and similar events….
The City Council recently voted to raise the fee for major solid waste set-outs from $75 to $300. Aldermen had also considered charging a new fee for video gaming machines, but abandoned that idea.
Alderman Lloyd Randal said he strongly opposes the proposal to spend $1,000 a month for someone to oversee the First Friday and other downtown promotions. Randal says downtown businesses should fund the position. But Mayor Williams says the sales tax money the city makes alone from the promotions would probably pay for the position.
