GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Events have returned in the county in full force over the past year and the county is looking to create a streamlined way to safely deal with requests and hold events.

County staff sought direction and input about a new event ordinance at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Tourism Director Kimberly Morgan gave an overview of the proposed system. She defined general events, complex events that place a strain on county services and events that are exempted. The proposed fees are $100 for general events and $150 larger events.

The event ordinance relayed requirements to operate such as vendors, parking and waste management. The county will benefit from having a general awareness of the potential large number of events held, Morgan said.

“This ordinance doesn’t ask anything above and beyond what a normal event planner would be doing anyway,” Morgan said.

Morgan said the county can revisit an event ordinance every few years by being flexible.

“We’re on a learning curve right now with this. We’ve done a lot of work and a lot of homework on putting it together, but right now, we need some flexibility in those areas so we know what our market is really bringing to the table,” Morgan said.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook also suggested a nominal deposit for first-time event holders, meaning organizations with a solid working relationship with the county and CCSO could have their deposits waived. It’s important because organizers can pack up and never be heard from again, Cook said.

She presented situations where a promoter can ignore CCSO fees to cover the event. One instance of paying deputies took five years to resolve, she said. The purpose of the new ordinance is driven by the difficulty to schedule staff ahead of time.

“This permitting process will give us a better idea of what is coming down the road,” Cook said. “Sometimes, it’s two days before and they say, ‘We need police officers.’ It’s difficult to get people to work it.”

County Attorney Courtney Grimm said some event organizers pay their bills in the form of proceeds, which makes things difficult. Grimm asked to work on revising the ordinance and to have future meetings with CCSO before the first county meeting of July.

“Our hope is to bring it back to you at the first of July meeting so that we can get it rolling and have it in effect, so events occurring after Nov. 1, have to comply with it,” Grimm said.