The Fresno chapter of Marriage Equality USA submitted the following written request to the City Attorney for Fresno to request a free speech waiver of $378 in “Police Review” fees for the Day of Decision event. The organization is asking for support from the community to help with this and other event fees.
From Jason Scott with Marriage Equality USA to City:
In response to your questions regarding the police review fee waiver. This event has occurred three times in the past and has had the police review paid three years ago. This event is identical to that event and does not merit a new review and fee, in our opinion. Our attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union in Northern California informed us that such costs must be limited to real costs, such as hourly staff wages, copies, etc.
We respectfully request a police waiver. The fee represents an undue burden on our small non profit. The funds available in our Fresno chapter are not sufficient enough to cover this cost.
Response from City Attorney, Douglas Sloan:
We have discussed the fee issue. Because of the size of the group, 150-300 people, the potential need for police presence, the area being reserved, and the need to treat each group similarly, we think the fee is supported and appropriate. The City will incur time and costs easily exceeding the amount of the fee. Thanks.
We believe that emails and letters to the City Attorney will help our case and have linked the email address above. Your support of the event by making a contribution in advance and at the event are also greatly appreciated. (When making a donation online, plus enter the name “Fresno” in the gift recipent box and the email “[email protected]”. -Thank you.
We’d also like to thank MyLGBTPlus for being a financial donor to our event and GayFresno for covering the costs of our decision day text messaging.
