MONROE - Monroe's 150th birthday celebration will get a little boost from the city.
The Monroe City Council Wednesday night approved funding of $7,500 for the sesquicentennial celebration. The resolution, unanimously passed by a quorum of seven aldermen, states that the funding is to be spent "only on things that will promote the city and provide activities free of charge for the community to become involved in."
Aldermen Mark Coplien, Keith Ingwell, and Charles Schuringa were absent.
The Sesquicentennial Coalition, individuals who came together last year to organize the year-long roster of events sponsored by various organizations, emphasized publishing a brochure and flyer for a kick-off with an April 4 "birthday bash" at Turner Hall.
The brochures have just been sent to the printers, and are expected to be ready by the end of February or early March. Of the 27,000 copies ordered, 6,889 will be sent to residents in the Monroe zip code.
At the Finance and Taxation Committee meeting earlier in the evening, Mayor Ron Marsh said he told the coalition that the money could not be used for "funding events used to raise money." His list of acceptable events include: arts in the park, banners throughout the city and the brochures which will be sent to communities outside the city and state.
Alderman Chuck Koch asked how the money would be monitored, to ensure its use for such acceptable expenses.
City Administrator Mark Vahlsing said the funds would be held by the city, with Marsh approving its spending on a case-by-case basis. The arrangement would prevent having to return to the Finance and Taxation Committee for each request.
Funding, which was already budgeted, will come out of the community improvement budget. Vahlsing said if other expenses anticipated for payment out the same account this year should deplete the account, a budget transfer could be arranged.
The Monroe City Council Wednesday night approved funding of $7,500 for the sesquicentennial celebration. The resolution, unanimously passed by a quorum of seven aldermen, states that the funding is to be spent "only on things that will promote the city and provide activities free of charge for the community to become involved in."
Aldermen Mark Coplien, Keith Ingwell, and Charles Schuringa were absent.
The Sesquicentennial Coalition, individuals who came together last year to organize the year-long roster of events sponsored by various organizations, emphasized publishing a brochure and flyer for a kick-off with an April 4 "birthday bash" at Turner Hall.
The brochures have just been sent to the printers, and are expected to be ready by the end of February or early March. Of the 27,000 copies ordered, 6,889 will be sent to residents in the Monroe zip code.
At the Finance and Taxation Committee meeting earlier in the evening, Mayor Ron Marsh said he told the coalition that the money could not be used for "funding events used to raise money." His list of acceptable events include: arts in the park, banners throughout the city and the brochures which will be sent to communities outside the city and state.
Alderman Chuck Koch asked how the money would be monitored, to ensure its use for such acceptable expenses.
City Administrator Mark Vahlsing said the funds would be held by the city, with Marsh approving its spending on a case-by-case basis. The arrangement would prevent having to return to the Finance and Taxation Committee for each request.
Funding, which was already budgeted, will come out of the community improvement budget. Vahlsing said if other expenses anticipated for payment out the same account this year should deplete the account, a budget transfer could be arranged.