While we contend city officials should completely divulge Hollister of any for-profit opportunities at the motorcycle rally, this year's six-figure loss and the rising price tag for security also signals the serious reality that officials must get overall costs under control or this tradition simply won't survive.
City leaders estimated last week that policing costs in 2008 rose by $38,000 to $259,000 while Hollister taxpayers so far are set to lose about $119,000 from the event, a number that could rise depending on how much of the remaining stock of T-shirts can be liquidated.
Hollister leaders took a gamble that didn't work, and now they're faced not only with addressing that deficit - which they must immediately - but they also should find a way to make sure taxpayers are never again left on the hook for such costly bills.
Monumental challenge ahead
It's a monumental challenge, and it's up to Hollister City Council members to find a much better solution by either lowering the police costs or finding a solidified revenue stream. If they can't get those costs covered somehow, then it's up to them, as elected leaders, to decide whether it's appropriate to sanction this event.
Mayor Doug Emerson is on the right track and said last week that security costs must be paid up-front for the rally to continue. He's right, because doing it the other way, as shown in 2008, leaves too much liability for taxpayers at a time when no financial risk is worth taking.
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Highlights from the Prune Bowl now available
