ELGIN – Elgin has adopted guidelines for businesses interested in providing financial support for the city’s programs and events.
The Elgin City Council voted 4-0 July 9 to approve the policy, which applies to all sponsorship agreements between the city and sponsors. The policy does not apply to donations or gifts to the city.
Mayor JJ Francais said he liked the policy, but he wanted to strike a provision barring businesses that make, distribute or sell alcohol from sponsoring city events. He said that clause would prevent Coors and other beer distributors, which have sponsored events in the past, from continuing to work with the city.
“We still have sole discretion on whether or not we want to sponsor them,” Francais said. “So if some crazy beer company from far-flung somewhere comes and says, ‘Hey, we want to do something,’ then we could vote not to deal with them.”
The council decided the policy should include a provision saying restaurants are not automatically precluded from sponsoring events, as well as language detailing the appeals process if the mayor denies a sponsorship application.
Sponsorship opportunities The city offers five kinds of sponsorships: special events, programs, specific projects or departments, promotional materials or city-owned property.
The policy defines sponsorships as cash or in-kind payments established by the mayor or their designee, for which the sponsor receives a benefit. Examples of benefits include promotional banners or other materials, plaques and signs.
City officials will post sponsorship opportunities on the city’s website, and people or businesses interested in supporting that event may submit a sponsorship application, according to the policy. The city will not accept applications 14 days before the event, unless the mayor specifically authorizes applications after the deadline.
The mayor or his designee has the authority to seek out, negotiate and approve sponsorships, according to the policy. If the mayor denies a sponsorship application, the applicant may appeal that decision to the council.
The council will consider the issue at either a special meeting or the next regularly scheduled meeting. The council’s decision is final.
The city will not accept sponsorships from anyone involved in the following activities:
• Making, distributing or selling tobacco or marijuana products.
• Producing, distributing or selling alcohol wholesale, unless the city has authorized the sale and consumption of alcohol at a special event. Sponsorships for those events may not be linked to activities designed for people younger than 21.
• Selling pornography.
• Making, distributing or selling items prohibited by state law, federal law or city ordinance.
• Advocating or endorsing a political party, candidate or issue.