Marquee advertising fee dropped

The Belgium Village Board on Monday approved eliminating the $25 fee for businesses to advertise events on the village’s marquee.

Only a few businesses paid to put events on the marquee, Trustee Clem Gottsacker said.

Nonprofit organizations may advertise on the sign for free.

Village employee Pat Wester, who puts the messages on the sign, said he was concerned that without a policy every business will be asking to put a message on the sign.

“It’s not costing us anything to leave it the way it is. I can see Pat’s point,” Trustee Don Gotcher said.

Treasurer Vickie Boehnlein said the village may determine what messages to share, citing Belgium’s social media use policy. A private business event such as the rodeo, she said, clearly benefits the community.

The board voted 5-1 to eliminate the fee. Gotcher voted against. Dan Wolff was absent and excused.