Council Increases Popcorn Festival Funding to $25,000 After Heated Budget Debate

Casey City Council approved a $25,000 donation to the annual Popcorn Festival Monday night after a lengthy and sometimes tense discussion about the city’s financial priorities and the festival’s growing costs.

The decision came after several council members suggested additional funding beyond the $20,000 budgeted amount. Festival organizers were present to learn the council’s decision.

Organizers pointed out that inflation and rising entertainment costs contribute to their planned $155,000 event. The debate highlighted tensions between supporting the city’s signature event and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“You guys are outgrowing us faster than we can help you,” Mayor Mike Nichols told festival representatives during the discussion. “I would love to give you $50,000, but I can’t.”

Council members ultimately voted 4-2 to approve the $25,000 donation, with Aldermen Marcy Mumford, Jeremiah Hanley, Carlene Richardson, and Tanner Brown voting in favor. Steve Jenkins and Lori Wilson voted against the increase.

The funding comes from the city’s motel tax revenue, which generates approximately $40,000 annually. Half of those funds now go to the Popcorn Festival, with the remainder supporting other tourism-related expenses including public restroom maintenance.

Festival organizers explained that performer costs have doubled in recent years due to inflation, making it difficult to maintain the quality of entertainment that has drawn increasing crowds. They noted the festival budget has grown from $15,000 when they took over organization four years ago to the current $155,000 proposal.

“If we put on the same show every year, our show would get worse and worse every year,” one organizer told the council. “The same type of performer that was $X two years ago is twice as much this year.”

The mayor and several council members expressed frustration with the festival’s growing costs, noting the city has increased its contribution from $5,000 to $25,000 in just three years while motel tax revenue has remained flat.

“At what point do you realize, hey, there’s a budget we have to spend and that’s it,” Jenkins asked during the debate.

Some council members argued the festival deserves more support as the city’s largest tourism draw, while others pointed to competing budget priorities including infrastructure needs like a recent $96,000 valve replacement.

The discussion also revealed the existence of an $80,000 certificate of deposit funded by past motel tax revenues, though officials indicated those funds are committed to tourism-related expenses.

The 2025 Popcorn Festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Casey, continuing the event’s role as the city’s premier annual celebration.