A.G. Gancarski
Jacksonville prepares for its yearly Funk Fest this May, with headliners including Too $hort, Bell Biv Devoe, En Vogue, and SWV.
But before those artists emerge from the catacombs of history to reprise their hits of yesteryear, questions remain about itemized labor costs.
Councilman Reggie Gaffney, in whose district the May festival will happen, noted concerns about expenses from organizers regarding the event at Metropolitan Park.
The event runs in 11 markets a year.
An issue organizers noted: labor costs are higher in Jacksonville than elsewhere, with fees for irrigation specialists and mechanics used to pick up trash coming under question.
Dave Herrell of the city’s Sports and Entertainment department noted that the city would have to commit 40 parks and maintenance staff, in addition to public safety, to the event, which is expected to draw 10,000 people.
A major issue: trash pick up.
Event organizers questioned the use of mechanics to pick up trash, with Harrell saying those are the only people available.
“This is the human capital that is required to operate the event,” Herrell said.
Event organizers pushed to be able to adjust what is “truly needed” for the event, but Herrell hewed to the “human capital” talking point.
Another issue: stage costs — up from $4,000 a day from $2,500 last year.
“We’re putting forth our best judgement,” Herrell said, likening this cost allocation to the city-produced Jacksonville Jazz Festival and other such events.
Herrell continued to get resistance, with organizers concerned that city workers wouldn’t complete the clean up.
“Based on feedback I’ve gotten from park maintenance, trash has been an issue with Funk Fest — it’s historically been a problem,” Herrell said.
“Parks maintenance this year felt like this was the best plan,” Herrell said, given issues last year.
Councilman Gaffney suggested non-profit volunteers, perhaps including ex-offenders, to handle cleanup.
“I don’t even know if they want to be involved,” Gaffney said, “I just want to expand it so individuals looking for work in a particular weekend can do it.”
This process would apply to future years, Gaffney cautioned, given the council committee cycle.
