News : Explanation of Vendor Fees for Vinton RAGBRAI pass-through

The Vinton RAGRAI Vending Committee would like to provide information to the community to address some concerns expressed regarding the permit fee.

Below is an estimate of the expenses that the Vinton RAGBRAI Committee is responsible for:

Port-a-Pots $2,650 Washstands $100 Roll-off Trash Containers $600 Garbage cans/boxes/liners $100 Tables/Chairs/Tents $2,000 Signage for Riders $1,000 Entertainment $500 Electrical Adapters $500

Total Estimated Expenses $7,450

A couple of valid concerns that have been expressed are:

WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY MONEY GENERATED IN EXCESS?

Although the vendor fees are to be made out to “The City of Vinton,” this is being done solely as a ‘pass through’ in order to adhere to and enforce the ordinance requirements. The money will be passed directly on to the Vinton RAGBRAI committee for this event.

Our main goal is to cover the expenses associated with inviting over 10,000 people to Vinton for this one day event. If there is any money collected in excess of the actual expenses, the Committee’s hope is to return an amount not greater than the permit fee paid, to any service club or organization who has non-profit status and a 52349 zip code, if they participate in this event locally.

WHY IS THERE NOT A DIFFERENT PRICE FOR LOCAL AND NON-LOCAL VENDORS?

State law requires that the fee be applied the same across the board – you cannot charge one group or business one fee and charge the other a different amount or not charge them at all.

We hope this helps to alleviate some of the concerns and shed some light on the reasoning for the permit fee.

As always, we would love to have your help in any way and, of course, help you however we can! Please direct any questions, concerns or suggestions regarding the above information to the Vinton RAGBRAI Vending Committee.

Nathan Hesson & Matt Salger Nathan@vintonia.org & MatthewSalger@msn.com