Should the village of Fredonia not charge food trucks at all coming in for festivals for the year of 2021?

That was the question posed by Trustee James Lynden at Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

“We were just discussing how short the village is on funds and I do understand the economic impact of COVID,” Lynden began. “Is it possible that we could consider helping these food trucks by going to a $100 per event as opposed to the $500 annual? I’d hate to see us lose a 100% of the fees, but a reduction is fine.”

Lynden cited that food trucks are for-profit businesses as are the 120 brick and mortar businesses in the village and as such expects them to share in the costs of the village operations and further pointed out that Festivals Fredonia asks them for a fee to cover the costs of their operations.

“Are we prepared to do for the businesses that serve this community 365 days a year? Are we prepared to do something for them too?” Lynden further asked.

“My proposal as is stands,” Mayor Doug Essek stated. “It’s a one year thing, I can’t imagine that we were getting so much income from the $500 that it created an excess in our income.”

Essek added that he and Lynden had spoken privately about offering the businesses in the village something, but became upset that Lynden seemed to be contradicting himself in his opinion.

“We discussed what we can do for brick and mortar businesses, but you kind of talk out of both sides of your mouth. You want to have something happen, give some credit to brick and mortar and in the same sentence you’re saying we can’t reduce revenues,” Essek noted.

“It’s not talking out of both sides of my mouth,” Lynden said. “These are separate questions. If we do something for them, relax that law and give them a $500 break, are we prepared to do the same for all of the other businesses? On the same thought process should we give breaks anywhere with all of our issues with finances? There were two questions there.”

The pandemic has hit businesses hard and Lynden wants to do something equally for all for-profit businesses across the board. “Can we do something for all of the businesses, not just the food trucks that come here periodically, can we do something for everyone equally? And if not maybe give them a reduced amount?”

“The board can vote it down,” Essek added. “I stick to my original proposal.”

Essek did mention that he hopes the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus assistance comes through and then the village could provide some business loan support out of $1.9 million. In the meantime his feelings on what little the food trucks pay doesn’t make a big dent in the day-to-day finances.

“I think that the revenue that we would lose or gain from food trucks is minimal compared to what we would provide and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but where do you stop?” Essek said. “Should we provide for the homeowners too because they lost their job? I’m not trying to open a Pandora’s box here, my proposal stands. If the board doesn’t want to vote for it when it comes up for resolution so be it. I really think this is just something simple. I’m just trying to do one thing to keep our festivals and our heritage and our traditions in the village.”

Despite the waiving of the permit fees the food trucks would still be responsible for a Health Department inspection and background check.

According to the village six to seven food trucks have paid for a $500 food truck permit in the last year.

No vote was taken on the discussion, but may come next month.