City officials are putting a pause on event fees in the hopes that more festivities will return to downtown Columbus this year.
The Columbus Board of Works has voted to waive a number of downtown special event fees. According to a memo from City Engineer/Executive Director of Public Works Dave Hayward, this includes street and alley closure, traffic department assistance, parade and electric use fees for events held in 2022. A security deposit will still be required, but it is fully refundable if there are no damages.
“During 2020-2021, very few downtown special events occurred due to COVID-19 protocols and concerns,” Hayward wrote. “In 2022, COVID-19 concerns seem to be diminishing and organizers are beginning to plan some events. The City Engineering Department recognizes that the past two years have been difficult and wants to encourage downtown events.”
According to the Downtown Columbus Special Event Policy listed on the engineering department’s website, street and alley closure fees were $50 per block prior to the waiver. Parade fees were $100. Electric fees were $20 per day. Traffic department assistance fees ranged from $25 to $100 based on the level of assistance. The site also stated that fees could be waived for city-sponsored events and public safety closures.
The security deposit on downtown special events — which is still in place — is typically $500.
