Martinsville council balks at donation for farmers' markets
read more recent story comments Reader comments| Ratcatcher Sunday, April 11, 2010: 6:58 am More from Ratcatcher  | Maybe reputation and false advertising had something to do with the decision of the board. The market allowed vendors to tell customers thier produce was "locally grown" when they were resellers that never grew or produced anything themselves including grapes from California, blueberries from Michigan, peaches from SC and Georgia, and value added products "packaged for" a vendor. The board made the right decision. If they donated $5K to this they would have to donate $5K to Kroger, Meijer and Walmart just to be fair. |
| Greg Sunday, April 11, 2010: 7:36 am More from Greg | This year it is the intent of the board and market masters to insure that product is locally produced. Last year they deemed it prudent to allow some product from outside the area because 1). it was the first year for the market 2). the market started late and several vendors didn't have time to get product ready, and 3). many customers were asking for sweet corn, watermelons, and tomatoes at the 1st of June, items that aren't seasonally available here at that time. Two of those three items are not the case this year, so they saw fit to enact and enforce the "locally produced" rule this year. Last year, the majority of vendors only sold their own locally grown and prepared products. Only a couple actually stepped outside of that box. Since the city doesn't appear willing to contribute, it's even more important for everyone to come out and at least visit us at the Farmers Market. If ya'll come visit, I'll try to get one of Wilbur's monkey to dance for you! |
| Spanky Sunday, April 11, 2010: 1:08 pm More from Spanky | I guess I'm a little confused why a farmer's market would expect they should receive ANY of the city's tax money. Heck, if them, then the 347 flea markets in this town should get some, all the yard sales and bake sales. It's about time for every non-essential service to get off the tax-payer's back...period. Way to go City Council, don't budge even if Mooresville throws into the kitty. Those selling at this market already get to use public property free of charge, I'm pretty sure a group of my frieds wouldn't be permitted to setup a for-profit event every weekend. Time for the bulls*#@ to stop! |
| A Hoosier Sunday, April 11, 2010: 1:24 pm More from A Hoosier | Spanky, I concur. Stop the bleed, even if it's nickels and dimes. The donation of the property for these events should be plenty. The group needs to find their funding someplace else or be self sustaining. They could charge each vendor a small fee to obtain their marketing dollars or use the free advertising that the paper and radiostation award; ie: the Reporter Times'-Briefs and WCBK's-Community Calendar. Hopefully, the city will continue to support the group by allowing them use of the property. The Farmer's Market hopefully will encourage people to come to our town and generate sales tax dollars. Therefore, I appreciate the efforts of the group and I will shop there. (I hope one of you is growing green beans this summer, they are hard to find.) |
| Ed Sunday, April 11, 2010: 1:27 pm More from Ed | I agree with you Spanky. However, If it's the "Morgan County Farmers Market" wonder why the County doesn't ante up? Not saying they should, because you are correct in the fact that if they do, every Tom, Dick & Harry would be asking for a government handout for their yard sales! |
| Ed Sunday, April 11, 2010: 1:29 pm More from Ed | Hoosier, They vendors are charged a small "booth/parking fee" for their participation. |
| To The Point Sunday, April 11, 2010: 1:31 pm More from To The Point | Hey Greg! Where did you get your misinformation, regarding the City not willing to contribute?? Could it have been from the Editor's Opinion that did not reflect the entire story. Wish they would report all the facts instead of trying the sensationalism route!! LET ME GIVE YOU THE REAL FACTS: At last Monday's Council Meeting, the City Council decided they would hold off on contributing the $5,000, due to Mooresville stating they would not budget that amount. The Martinsville City Council, and the Mayor, stated they thought both Mooresville, and the County Council, should contribute to the Farmer's Market and not just Martinsville, alone. As a matter of fact, the Mayor and City Council urged the Representative (Mr. John Badger) to challenge Mooresville, that Martinsville would "match" whatever amount Mooresville committed! The Mayor, and entire City Council, made it PERFECTLY CLEAR that they are in support of the Farmer's Market, and would support it financially, regardless of the other's decision. Councilman Burgin and John Badger (both members of the Farmer's Market Committee), were informed that at the next Martinsville City Council Meeting, a decision would be made as to how much money will be given by Martinsville, after hearing from Mooresville and the County Council. After all, the Farmer's Market is good for Martinsville...good for Mooresville...and good for the entire Morgan County area. And, Greg, I agree with you that it is best served by offering only items produced in Morgan County...unless other areas have been designated. Now, hopefully, you all have the exact facts as recorded at the Martinsville City Council meeting. |
| A Hoosier Sunday, April 11, 2010: 1:43 pm More from A Hoosier | Ed, where is the money going? What is it being used for if the space is free? Is it for a permit or something? |
| Greg Sunday, April 11, 2010: 4:17 pm More from Greg | Ok... sorry, I've been out all morning working on getting the garden in. Yes Hoosier, we'll have green beans. Not this week or next, but hopefully soon. ;-) Vendors are charged $15 for a market membership, and $7 per marketday that they set up. On a personal level, I agree 100% with Spanky and Hoosier. I don't think it's right for private business to be funded with public dollars, whether it be General Motors or the Farmer's Market. I have made that point publicly at a recent vendor meeting, and again in private email to a board member. The reply I was given was that the funds would come from the EDIT (Economic Development Income Tax- both Martinsville and Moorseville have this fund available to them) which was specifically set aside by state law for this sort of expense. The monies are expected to help pay for insurance, advertising, market manager salaries, etc. The board members are volunteers and recieve nothing for their time. The two market managers are the only paid members of the organization. Special thanks go to To the Point for clearing up the story. I had indeed only heard half of it, and 90% of that came from this article. Thanks again. |
| Greg Sunday, April 11, 2010: 4:31 pm More from Greg | Another point I forget to add: a new rules addition for the Farmer's Market requires that not only must product be locally produced, it must also be PERSONALLY produced. I can't buy from someone else local and resell, I must produce ALL of my own product. I agree to submit to inspection by the market master or board if there is a question as to the origins of my product, or I am not permitted to sell. Intrusive perhaps, but it will certainly answer any questions that someone may have about product origins. |
| Ratcatcher Sunday, April 11, 2010: 5:15 pm More from Ratcatcher | Greg - So what happens this year when people show up the first weekend of June wanting to buy sweet corn and melons? What happens then? |
| A Hoosier Sunday, April 11, 2010: 5:22 pm More from A Hoosier | Greg, thanks for all the info. and for inquiring into the monies. I'll look forward to those green beans. F.Y.I.-Just because the tax has a name does not make it any more appealing to me. |
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