Thirteen groups have asked for part or all of $68,000 in local tax money this year, with requests ranging from $1,650 for a labor history center to the entire amount for building a carousel at Stodden Park.
The proposals for the county’s economic development mill levy money were unsealed at Wednesday night’s council meeting, and each group must give a presentation before a council committee to pitch the plans.
The council has crafted more stringent guidelines for seeking the property tax money in hopes of tying the requests and awards more closely to efforts that strengthen the local economy.
The cast of askers this year includes groups that have gotten money in the past, including Butte’s three big summer festivals – Evel Knievel Days, the Montana Folk Festival and the An Ri Ra Irish festival.
Their requests total $28,000 combined and are on top of bigger allocations they have or are expected to get from a $15 million county trust fund.
Commissioner Dave Palmer said the committee will meet Feb. 4 to hear presentations, but because there are so many applicants, it’s likely a second meeting will be needed.