Common Council Delays 2020 Destination Oneonta Contract

Last night the Oneonta Common Council opted not to renew a $70,000 contract with Destination Oneonta for this year, tabling it for further discussion. According to AllOTSEGO, the big concern are rising costs due to Destination Oneonta attracting businesses beyond the city's borders to become DO members.

Council member Mark Drnek expressed concern over an increase in members who live outside of city limits and the city having to bear the cost, saying, "“Looking at the projection of 200 members in 2020, clearly the geography is moving outward from the city. I think they (Destination Oneonta) do a terrific job, but if this becomes more of a Chamber of Commerce, are we still responsible for the $70,000?". Other council members were reluctant to renew the Destination Oneonta contract as well. The vote to table the DO budget was 5 to 3.

So currently, Destination Oneonta’s future is uncertain without a budget being passed. There's no word on what this will mean for Destination Oneonta sponsored events like the Holiday Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, the Susquehanna Balloon Festival, and Fabulous Fridays.