HOLLISTER
With all the numbers tallied, law enforcement at the 2007 Hollister Motorcycle Rally turned out to cost nearly $60,000 less than estimated.
Escalating public safety expenses were cited as the big reason for the rally’s cancellation in 2006. To make the 2007 event a reality, rally promoter Seth Doulton had to pay the city $382,000 ahead of time to cover estimated costs.
But public safety turned out to cost a lot less than Doulton’s payment – $324,577.76, to be exact. On Monday, the city council approved returning the remaining money to the Hollister Motorcycle Rally Committee.
Doulton and City Manager Clint Quilter gave much of the credit for the reduced cost to the new rally layout, in which vendors occupied San Benito Street and motorcycles were parked on side roads.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise,” Doulton said. “I guess I’d have been more surprised if we didn’t get any money back.”
The committee hasn’t completed its plans for the money, Doulton said, but the group will likely “pay some bills,” then donate the rest to local nonprofit organizations.
In addition to the layout, the fact that the rally closed for the evening also saved money, Doulton said.
The deal for the 2008 rally hasn’t been finished, but Doulton said he’s already working to collect another $382,000.
“In everything that’s been discussed, it’s the same figures as this year,” he said. “I want to have plenty of money in the bank.”
Even with the relatively low bill, City Manager Clint Quilter agreed that the city council probably won’t ask Doulton for less money in 2008.
“Things went as well as they possibly could have,” Quilter said. “Things aren’t always going to go perfectly. It’s easier to give back money than not to have it.”
Some locals and rally regulars have criticized Doulton for planning to hold the 2008 rally more than a week after July 4, but he said the later date will actually save money too.
By holding the rally after Independence Day weekend, surrounding jurisdictions can offer more police support, Doulton said, and that means Police Chief Jeff Miller will be able to shop for better deals when he hires additional officers. On the other hand, Doulton added that those savings might be offset by rising gas prices, as well as increased costs across the board.
“I think it’s going to be pretty much similar,” Doulton said.
