York County Press Release
YORK – A visitors improvement grant has been denied for an outdoor lighting project at the auditorium, with several county board members saying they like the project but because it’s already finished, it doesn’t meet the funding requirements.
This past week, York County Visitors Bureau (YCVB) Director Alex Saathoff and York Parks and Recreation Director Cheree Folts presented the request to the county commissioners.
This project is what resulted in the outdoor LED lights which illuminate the entire front of the historical building.
“Yes, this application is for money for that external lighting,” Saathoff said, acknowledging the YCVB board (which first reviews the grant applications) had a 5-2 vote to recommend a $1,000 grant payment.
This grant money is generated by local lodging tax receipts.
“During last December’s holiday festival, the organizers came to the city for outdoor decorations,” Folts explained.
She said she looked into different seasonal decorations, including a large outdoor Christmas tree and outdoor Christmas lights, which were quite expensive and only usable during that particular holiday.
“Then I found LED illumination lights for $4,000,” Folts said. “All of it is funded but $1,000 and the city is putting in $800 for labor.”
Not only was the front of the auditorium lit for Christmas, but it is now lit in different colors for different events, seasons, and purposes—for example, it was lit in the school colors of teams playing in championship matches or tournaments at the auditorium. Right now, it is lit in commemoration of awareness campaigns.
“We continue to change the colors and it has been a real hit, for locals and for visitors alike,” Folts said. “I never expected it to have such an amazing impact. We’ve had so many positive comments.”
York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier, who sits on the YCVB board as the county’s liaison, said, “it was an interesting discussion. I did vote no, mostly because projects typically need to come before us for funding before the project starts. My vote has nothing to do with the project itself, but rather the procedure and the process in how it’s done. So now it’s up to this board. One major contributor to this project was Tallgrass, which gave $2,200.”
Obermier said the improvement fund has “plenty of money in it, this is just about the procedure and the fact the project is already finished.”
“I think it was really smart to go with LED lighting rather than seasonal,” said Commissioner Joe Burgess.
“I think it’s OK to do it, the city gave $800 in labor, so I move we approve $1,000,” said Commissioner LeRoy Ott.
Burgess seconded the motion.
“I’m on the fence,” said Commissioner Daniel Grotz. “I think it’s an awesome project and it’s been a nice addition. But the place I’m at is whether this is the place to use those funds. Would it be better to use these funds for an entity which needs it in order for the project to happen, rather than for a project which has already been completed and paid for? That’s why I’m on the fence.”
“I have a question for Cheree,” said Commissioner Andy Bowman. “How will you pay for this if we don’t?”
Folts said the remaining money would come from the city’s general fund.
“I actually applied for this grant back in November but then the timeline was so tight because it was decided to get it done in time for the holiday festival,” Folts said. “And then with the process, it’s taken this long for the application to get before you, as there were delays.”
Ott and Burgess voted in favor of the grant. Bowman, Grotz and Obermier voted no.
So the grant was denied with the split vote.
Folts thanked them for their consideration.
