The Parks & Recreation Commission received a public comment from the non-profit organization In Jesus Name Outreach representatives requesting a fee waiver associated with the In Jesus Name event proposed to be held on October 31, 2026, at the Buda Amphitheater and City Park greenspace. Due to the timing of Parks Commission and City Council meetings, the Parks Commission requested staff bring this item forward for City Council's consideration without a formal recommendation from the Parks Commission. Most recently, the event organizers held the same event on March 28, 2026. Previously, the Parks & Recreation Commission recommend 5-0 to waive the non-profit facility fee of $1,000 but still require the refundable $1,500 deposit. In requesting staff bring this item forward for the Oct. 31 event, the Parks Commission noted that the event had no issues and, in principle, supported waiving the fee again. 

The March for Jesus event was held previously at City Park in 2025 and again in early 2026. The rental facility fee was waived by City Council for the event held in early 2026. The organizers received their deposit back for both events, demonstrating a responsible use of the facility. The event hosted 200 people at past events and anticipate 200-300 people for the October 2026 event. According to event organizers, the event will include music, guest speakers, prayer, carnival-style games with small prizes, bicycle raffles for children, face painting and more, along with participation from local community vendors. There is no admission fee, no cost to participate in any of the activities and families do not have to be members of the In Jesus Name ministry or a particular church to attend.

The facility rental fee has been waived for the In Jesus Name event for the two previous events held in 2025 and early 2026. The event on October 31, 2026, will be their third rental with a fee waived, if approved. 

If approved, a facility fee waiver would eliminate $1,000 in potential rental revenue for the Buda Amphitheater and City Park. In Jesus Name is a non-profit organization, thus would qualify for the lowered $1,000 fee from the for-profit fee of $2,500. 

N/A

-Approve the fee waiver as requested
-Approve a partial fee reduction
-Deny the fee reduction request and require standard fees