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1 Farmers Market Fee Proposal FAQs How much does the Market actually cost and why has that cost increased over the years? Our original short hand version of accounting for Market costs was $63,440 for 2015, however, when we accounted for other items such as computers, programming, postage, office supplies, equipment, benefits and the like, the more realistic figure is estimated at $113,875. The largest jump we see in actual costs is from an estimated $129,261 in 2017 to $143,275 proposed in the budget for FY2018 (starting October 1, 2017). This increase is attributed to the full-time Market Manager position, primarily benefit costs for the position and a slight increase in professional development for the Manager - we've never offered formal training for the position. With the addition of the full-time position we felt it was not reasonable to also account for the other department’s activities, primarily because with additional staff we are able to manage those tasks with Market staff so we do not include costs for other departments in the current FY2018 proposed budget. What do vendor fees pay for? Vendor fees help to offset direct operational costs for the Moscow Farmers Market. Fees support the work it takes to put the Market on week after week each season. Fees DO NOT pay for infrastructure projects including paving, restrooms, equipment purchases, and the like. How is the Market paid for? There are two revenue sources for the Market, vendor fees and in essence, property taxes. For FY2018 which begins October 1, 2017, we have an estimated cost of $143,275 for the Market, we estimate vendor fees revenue at $55,500 (approximately the same amount as 2016 and 2017), and the remaining $87,775 cost is picked up by the City. What value do vendor fees receive for their fees? When compared to other Markets: • More hours per Market Day • More booth space per booth • More marketing outreach than area Markets • Guaranteed same location for Tier-3 vendors • Fees are lower than area Markets • Opportunity to conduct business at a socially valuable event • More marketing outreach than area markets Customer Attraction Amenities provided include: • Live music throughout Market day • Additional programming o Chefs at the Market o Kids Programming o Canning at the Market • SNAP Benefits Accepted • Accepts Washington WIC & Benefits • #1 Market in the State of Idaho, 6 years running • 5,000+ visitors to the Market each day ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 What’s in it for the City? A lot. The City of Moscow recognizes both the positive social and economic impact the Market brings to our community. The Market is one of the top cultural features that define our community along with our sense of community and flat out amazing nature and scenery – and this is from an in-depth study on Moscow as part of a community-wide branding process. Visitors to the Market are offered a cultural amenity that is a tremendous draw for our community. It’s also estimated that more than 94 jobs have been created in our community as a result of the Market, visitor spending is estimated at $1.6 to $2.2 million per season, and the overall economic impact is expected to range from $3.94 to $5.4 million. Also, as of 2016 we noted 67 startup firms and more than 25 brick and mortar spinoffs from the Market. What’s the responsibility of the City in regards to the Market? The City’s mission statement is: The City of Moscow delivers quality municipal services while ensuring responsible use of resources. We anticipate and meet the needs of our diverse population in order to build public trust and enhance a sense of community. Support of the Farmers Market is a service the City is proud to support. Given the responsibility we have to all citizens, our focus is balanced between how we can best serve the entire community through the services we support including the Market. What’s the role of the Farmers Market Commission? The Commission’s mission is: To celebrate life on the Palouse by providing the community with the opportunity to buy and sell locally farmed and/or created produce (e.g. crops, meat, cheese, wine, etc.) and distinctive handmade goods. This venue is meant to encourage and support sustainable economic, social and environmental practices. In addition, the values that drive the Commission’s work includes: • Access - Providing access to locally grown produce, foods, unique hand-made goods and their producers. • Economic Opportunity - Contributing to the greater Moscow economy with emphasis on assisting local, small, independently owned, and start-up enterprises. • Community - Building community by welcoming all residents and visitors, and providing a safe space and opportunity for community engagement, interaction, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. • Information - Increasing awareness of and providing education about and in support of health and wellness practices, regional agriculture, sustainability, and sound environmental practices. These guiding statements are very much in support of the City’s mission and serve the Commission well in their role as visionaries for the Market. This is managed in several ways including the make-up of the Commission membership which includes vendor, business and community representatives. As a ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 body the Commission reviews information as requested and provides recommendations to the City Council on behalf of the Market. Why tiers and what are the differences? Tier-1 • Vendor chooses to attend between 1 to 8 Markets • Lowest registration fee • Reasonable booth fee • No guaranteed same location at each Market Tier-2 • Vendor chooses to attend between 9 to 16 Markets • Mid-Range registration fee • More Market for less cost • Booth fee much lower than current walk-on fee • Same location as available Tier-3 • Vendor chooses to attend between 17 to 26 Markets • Highest registration fee • Provides full season option • Lowest daily per booth fee • Guaranteed same location at each Market What fees are being proposed? Tier – 1 (1 – 8 days) Tier – 2 (9 – 17 days) Tier – 3 (18 – 26 days) Registration Fee $15 $50 $125 Daily Per Booth Fee $30 $20 $15 Daily Shared Booth Space $15 $12 $9 Daily Table Space $10 $8 $6 Electricity $10 $10 $10 Truck $11 $11 $11 Corner $5 $5 $5 Child Vendor $6 $6 $6 Performance Art $7 $7 $7