BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — At a recent Inez City Commission meeting, Commissioner Jennifer Wells provided an update on the Appalachian Artist Festival held Aug. 3. The event drew community participation and was well-received, with attendees expressing their satisfaction with the city’s efforts. Despite the success of the overall success of the festival, Mayor Ed Daniels opposed the city’s involvement and the Commission seemed to be split on the issue.

“There was no ruckus,” Commissioner Jennifer Wells reported, noting that she had received numerous positive messages from both local residents and visitors.

She further announced that the festival secured a $500 sponsorship from SOAR and that Country Boy Brewing expressed interest in sponsoring next year’s event with an additional $500. The brewing company also suggested the city had underpriced its alcohol vendor fees, noting they typically pay no less than $300 elsewhere.

Commissioner Roy Penix inquired about the collection of money during the festival, to which Wells responded by detailing another $250 private donation and additional vendor fees.

Wells, who organized and worked the festival with minimal assistance from City Hall, recounted the festival’s highlights, including a well-received quilt display inside the government center and on the stage. She shared a message from a quilter who expressed her gratitude for being invited.

Commissioner Nita Collier, who has been supportive of the festival, gave Wells her sole pat on the back. She commended her efforts, acknowledging the quality of the musicians and the quilters’ showcase.

“I know it was a lot of work on your part, and it went really well,” Collier said. “Thank you.”

The conversation took a contentious turn when Daniels inquired about the festival’s finances, specifically whether the money Wells turned in to the city clerk had been deposited into the ARPA fund. Wells was taken aback, stating she believed the city’s contribution was a gift rather than a loan.

“I did, too,” said Collier. “I thought that’s what we moved to do.”

Daniels diverted the discussion to the city’s role in hosting the festival.

“I would say the city will give donations, but they don’t need to be the host of this thing,” he said.

Penix suggested Wells form a committee to oversee future festivals. Commissioner Phyllis Conrad stated the event should “naturally” fall under the purview of the Martin County Tourism Commission.

Daniels again stated he did not want the festival bank account under the city’s name.

“We really don’t need that. We’ve got enough bank accounts,” he said.

The debate intensified as Collier questioned the necessity of removing the account from city control, noting that a city employee already manages it.

Daniels maintained his position that the city should not host the festival.

Collier, visibly frustrated, stated, “Well it’s not up to you.” She suggested tabling the discussion.

Conrad then criticized Wells, saying she booked entertainers without prior consultation with the Commission.

“I really have no opinion,” Conrad added.

“You’re going to have to form one because he’s asking for a vote,” Wells replied.

Conrad stated, “You should have brought it before the committee, your ideas, and let us decide on if you could book all these people at this amount, and not go out and do it on your own and do it. I don’t think any of us should go out on our own and do anything.”

In a Dec. 12, 2023, meeting, Wells presented quotes for the musicians and reviewed them at Daniels’ request. She advised the Commission that the total cost was $4,300.

Wells informed the Commission that the booking agent required a 10% downpayment. Daniels asked if the money would be refunded should the musicians not show up. Wells stated it would, and Daniels replied, “Good deal.”

Daniels then asked Conrad and Collier separately if they understood what Wells had explained. Each answered, “Yes.”

Collier made the motion to pay the deposit and Conrad seconded it. All of the commissioners voted yes.

In last week’s meeting, the Commission chose to table the discussion until a later date.