October 17, 2006

Things got heated when commissioners started talking about First Friday in their meeting today.

The Downtown Development Authority came to commissioners offering an apology, saying they would organize the event for the rest of the year using the funding raised by downtown businesses.

But some commissioners said they're tired of dealing with the DDA, and now those commissioners want to hand the event, and the money, over to the Arts Council.

"It's been the people struggling, not DDA struggling on behalf of the people," said Commissioner Andy Cheek. "I have a question today in my heart as to their intention and the best interest of the small merchants who are just getting started downtown, and I trust the Arts Council more than I do DDA to see this through."

The Commission decided to let the city administrator meet with both the groups to try and work something out.

Meanwhile, business owners say they've raised $14,000 to support First Friday.