BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — During a special meeting of the City Commission, Mayor Ed Daniels expressed his belief that the upcoming Appalachian Artist Festival should charge vendor space fees to offset costs.

The Feb. 12 meeting, which saw the absence of Commissioner Jennifer Wells, the festival’s organizer, became a platform for discussing the financial aspects of the event.

Mayor Daniels mentioned financial commitments, saying Commissioner Wells had committed $4,300 toward entertainment expenses. He noted the City had agreed to contribute $2,500, the same amount as the previous year, leaving a gap of $1,800 in funding.

“I think she needs to make them pay something because she is committed to people for $4,300,” Daniels stated. “She better get her some sponsors or something to make up that other $1,800 for that.”

City Clerk Lisa Mollett brought to light that Wells had indicated in her correspondence to the City that the plan was to charge vendor fees akin to those of other local festivals—$25 for non-food vendors and $50 for a full truck.

“Well the important thing is that she does that,” said Daniels.

The Commission did not take any formal action regarding the matter.

In giving the street report, Commissioner Roy Penix commended city employee Terril Crum for his work during the snowstorm in January.

“He did a wonderful job clearing the streets for the city,” Penix said. “He does a great job all the way around.”

Penix also gave the administrative report, saying the financial documents were all in order.