Lisa Renaud is now officially the coordinator for the 2015 Lone Ranger Festival, set to take over downtown Oxford on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Last week, the Oxford Village Council voted 3-0 to approve the contract with Renaud, of Addison Twp. She will be paid $4,000 for her services, plus a 20 percent commission on sponsorships solicited directly by her.
Village President Sue Bossardet explained it’s necessary to hire someone because ‘nobody? wanted to do it on a voluntary basis and planning for this year’s festival started ‘way late.?
‘It should have been started the day after last year’s event,? she said.
Councilman Bryan Cloutier expressed disappointment that a volunteer could not be found.
‘This community comes together for so many things, but unfortunately, it cannot seem to come together on an event like this,? he said.
Cloutier said the Lone Ranger Festival’s been a successful event in the past and ‘it’s something that we should be able to take pride in.?
He voted in favor of hiring Renaud, but noted, ‘I hope this is like a one-time thing and that we can get back on track in the future.?
Although the contract is between Renaud and the village, she will not be paid with public funds. She will be compensated using privately donated funds in the Lone Ranger account managed by the village.
According to figures supplied by village Manager Joe Young, the account currently has a total of $14,021 in it.
Of that, $7,428 is restricted for the purpose of someday building a statue honoring the Lone Ranger and Brace Beemer, the late Oxford resident who was the radio voice of the masked lawman from 1941-54.
The rest of the money is earmarked for the festival ($2,750) and the parade ($3,843) that’s been an annual event since 2013.
Young noted Oxford Bank and Genisys Credit Union have committed to donating $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, to this year’s festival.