Home » Brentwood Agrees to Increase Funding for Veterans Events

Brentwood Agrees to Increase Funding for Veterans Events

by CC News
Veterans

On Tuesday, the Brentwood City Council agreed to provide $32k in funding for veteran related events and banner programs.

Although the funding increase for the upcoming fiscal year is set at $32k, for future years, the council increased the spend to $40k which included parades and banners while working with veterans and service groups.

The item was brought before the council after a request by councilmember Pa’Tanisha Pierson in May 2023 asking city staff to host a Veterans Day event with cost options between $6,850-$31,550.

Existing Recognition of Veterans:

  • Military Veteran Banner Program since 2016
  • Veterans Park Memorial Tile Program
  • 4th of July Parade led by veterans service organizations
  • Proclamation for both Veterans Day and Memorial Day
  • Downtown Brentwood Coalition recognize veterans at their “Bags & Brews” cornhole tournament
  • Separate from City-sponsored events, local veterans service organizations host Memorial Day event at the Brentwood Cemetery and ceremony at Veterans Park on Veterans Day.

The council was asked to provide direction which staff provided three options.

veterans

Councilmember Jovita Mendoza asked if staff met with veterans to get their input and thoughts.

Thien Nguyen, Recreation Manager, explained they met with a number of local veterans organizations and researched what other cities do which is how they came up with options—how they could compliment, supplement current events.

After public comments, Pierson said the item was easy for her.

“Give them everything, everything and then some,” stated Pierson. “I know we have a requirement to think about the general fund, but we make some decisions up here where we offer up millions of dollars and its to serve residents, but I think in this time, it’s not only to our residents, but a service to our country.”

She urged her council to be “fully inclusive” and go with the full amount and adding onto the parade.

Mendoza agreed with Pierson while calling it a “long time coming” and thanked the veterans.

Vice Mayor Susannah Meyer also agreed.

Councilmember Tony Oerlemans called it a passionate topic for him as many officers also served in the military.

“I want to thank Councilmember Pierson for bringing this forward and getting it started as early as you did,” said Oerlemans. “Wholeheartedly in support of Option 3 and would love to see the parade. I don’t think we can do enough to tell our veterans enough for what they have done and thank you for your service. I don’t see this as a price tag, this is us giving back to you.”

Mayor Joel Bryant called it a privilege to be a part of the veteran’s events saying they would not be there if not for what veterans have done.

“We get the privilege of living in a country that you have helped provided the liberty for and you continue to do so not just by being veterans but being leaders in our communities and educators to our families,” said Bryant who called for more banners.

Pierson stated she wanted to recommend $45k going forward due to rising costs but deferred to staff prior to the motion. Nguyen responded the $31k was already on the higher end and they were focused on the current fiscal year. They would also look at the budget impact of future years.

Pierson motioned for “Option 3” at $32k including annual downtown parade—sponsors the banners. She also motioned in the future they budget for $40k.

The motion passed in a 5-0 vote.


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