Council to authorize festival funding

In anticipation of the Connect to the Arts Festival 2011, the City Council is expected to amend the budget Tuesday to allow for grant funds and private donations.

The council, which will meet Tuesday as city offices will be closed Monday for Labor Day, is suspending its rules to allow for the introduction and passage of the ordinance authorizing festival funds, as the event is scheduled to start just two days after the meeting.

Gail Strope, director of human resources, said the Cultural Arts Commission, which is coordinating the festival, received a grant through the Missouri Arts Council for $5,604. The commission also has received $9,300 in private donations and $1,745 in vendor fees and ticket sales. All funds will be spent to cover the expenses of the event, which begins Thursday and runs through Sept. 10.

Other bills to be introduced Tuesday include approval of rezoning and an amended planned unit development proposal for the Jefferson City Medical Group.