GR farmer's market fees waived

Last week, the Green River City Council voted to waive traveling vendor fees for the annual farmer’s market.

According to city documents, the city has historically waived the fees for the market vendors. Without that waiver, merchants attending the weekly even would be required to pay a $10 fee for a traveling merchant license each week they participate. Last year, the Main Street board opted to waive its booth fees, as well as convinced the Council to waive its license fee.

This year, approximately 30 vendors are anticipated to take part in the market, which would cause the city to lose $300 each farmer’s market week in potential fees, but, according to documents, it would also save staff time and materials in processing and creating multiple business licenses.

“Allowing participation at no cost to the vendors was a successful strategy in encouraging more participation, as well as underlining the true meaning of shopping local,” the meeting documentation states.

Jennie Melvin, director of the city’s Main Street and Urban Renewal Agency organization, said vendor booth fees will likely occur next year. Prior to voting on the measure, discussion occurred amongst the council whether or not they should pass a resolution killing the city’s licensing fees, as they usually waive the fees prior to major events.