(San Benito News/Ray Quiroga)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
During a City Commission meeting on Aug. 5, city officials released financial details about the one-day Resaca Fest event held during this year’s Independence Day weekend.
City Financial Director Stephanie Sarrionandia provided various festival information during the public meeting four weeks following the July 5 event at Heavin Memorial Park on 355 West Business 77.
There were approximately 7,000 people who attended the event, which was free of charge.
The total expenses allocated were $102,595.74, Sarrionandia said during her report, which included a video and an aerial view of a concert.
Payments included security, insurance, advertising, musical performance, the stage, supplies, and amenities, among other items.
There were 2,105 quantities of alcohol units sold, and with this total and vendor fees, there was $11,380 total revenue collected, Sarrionandia said.
Total revenues collected were $11,380, which included beer sales.
The festival also had a cookout that took in funds. The city’s expenses totaled $9,813.30, and revenue collected was $1,159.
Sarrionandia said social media was vital in providing the public with details before and after Resaca Fest. The video showcased 11 individuals who praised the event, with words like “awesome,” “cool,” and “great.”
Sarrionandia said many would like to have the event again next year.
“This was a recap of the Resaca Fest that we produced at the (commission’s) request,” Sarrionandia said.
According to the City of San Benito, requests to have financial reports about the Resaca Fest were made through Commissioner Deborah A. Morales and Mayor Pro Tem Pedro A. Galvan.
“This data was requested because (we) think it’s important that we’re transparent with the community, what the (city) is spending, what the revenues are,” Galvan said during the meeting. “And, I’ve always been told that these events are not made to make money, they’re for improving the quality of life, but there can be a balance.”
He emphasized that as long as the City of San Benito staffers responsible didn’t go beyond what was budgeted, and funds were spent responsibly, the city could still improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Resaca Fest was canceled last year due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl, which had been predicted to move toward South Texas.
Then again, this year, inclement weather forced the postponement and forced city leaders to move Resaca Fest from the muddled San Benito Fairgrounds to Heaven Memorial Park and the adjacent Bus 77 which was cordoned off to Sam Houston Blvd.
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