The Community and Economic Development Committee on Dec. 10 authorized two funding actions: it reallocated unspent event money into the special‑events grant pool and approved a proposed FY26 allocation of the CEDC budget across major buckets, with the committee chair and staff to present the allocation to the select board.

What the committee approved: Members voted to move previously identified unspent event funds into the CEDC’s special‑events allocation so the amounts can be included in a second RFP round for event grants. Staff described the funds as a $40,000 amount that had been set aside after a prospective applicant withdrew (described as “Codstock” in the packet) and an additional holdback from the prior Saint Patrick’s Day funding; committee members approved making those funds available for a second round of event grants. The committee also approved a proposed FY26 allocation of the CEDC appropriation into major buckets; committee members read the proposed amounts during the meeting and voted.

RFP timing and execution: The committee agreed to publish the second events RFP in January and to set a submission deadline of Feb. 1 so applications can be reviewed at the committee’s February meeting; members said the committee intends to review and vote on awards in February. Staff will include the updated available amount in the notice and post the application schedule in local circulation.

Marketing, sand sculptures and the jingle: Committee members discussed how to fund recurring signature events and marketing initiatives. The chamber representative reported that the town’s sand‑sculpture program is a roughly $75,000 undertaking with CEDC funding of roughly $40,000 this year; committee members asked the chamber to supply a formal proposal and budget for committee review. The committee also received a proposal to license a new town jingle; staff indicated a draft license agreement has been prepared and that licensing would enable the town to authorize use (and potentially a cooperative advertising program) while retaining ownership.

Votes and process notes: Both the reallocation into the special‑events pool and the FY26 allocation motion were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the recorded meeting transcript does not list a roll‑call tally. Members discussed carrying forward prior‑year balances and noted that public improvements and economic‑development projects may draw on those balances when specific proposals arrive. Committee members also discussed the need to formalize reporting requirements in the marketing contract (quarterly reporting, audience metrics and deliverables) so the committee receives timely updates on large items.

Ending: Staff will publish the January RFP notice with the revised total available funds, request formal proposals and bring the FY26 allocation memo to the select board as prepared by committee staff.