The debate over how to pay for parade costs continued today in City Council.
Mayor Nutter this morning vetoed legislation sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez that would exempt parade and special event organizers from public safety costs. In a letter, Nutter said the city could not afford to bear the cost.
Quinones-Sanchez said she would be meeting with parade groups and the Nutter administration Monday to see if a policy could be worked out -- but if not, she stressed that she had the votes to override Nutter.
Quinones-Sanchez said a compromise might be a three way split of event costs between the city, organizers and the new nonprofit created by U.S. Rep. Bob Brady to help pay parade costs.
That fund – the Greater Philadelphia Traditions Fund -- was awarded $500,000 by philanthropist H.F "Gerry" Lenfest. It will provide funds to the Mummers and the city's ethnic parades and festivals.
Nutter announced in 2008 that the city would start charging for police and sanitation costs related to special events, due to financial constraints.