In-Kind Services are only available to registered 501(c)(3) non-profits.
The new City of Gastonia In-Kind Service Policy was approved January 2, 2024 to go into effect January 1, 2025.
In order to apply for IKS, the applicant’s organization needs to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Proof of 501(c)(3) status is required upon submission of application. The applicant will need to pay the $30 event application fee, which is invoiced after the application is received. Applicants should apply for IKS at least 60 days in advance of their event.
Under the new IKS policy, the facility rental fees of the facility the applicant is applying for will be waived. The applicant will be responsible for all staffing costs that the City deems necessary for the event. Please see the below department information for staffing cost estimates. These costs and staffing numbers are only estimates to assist you with your decision to apply for IKS. Should you apply, a more finalized staffing cost be sent to you after City departments review your event. A virtual IKS meeting will be necessary either prior to or shortly after the updated staffing cost is sent. The final staffing bill will be sent after the event is concluded.
A non-profit organization can not apply for IKS to receive a waived facility fee and not incur staffing charges. Applicants can rent the facilities at their assigned, respective rates without staffing charges depending on the scope/size of their event. City staffing is required for all IKS events.
The below numbers are estimates. More accurate costs and a final staffing number will be determined once the application has been received. The City of Gastonia will determine the staff necessary for the event to occur safely. The staffing figures below may not be comprehensive of all types of events. Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation personnel are all required at each event. Please see notes below each department for more information.
Police Department-
For events with less than 250 people, a minimum of two officers will be required.
For every 100 people after, an additional officer will be required (300 people requires three officers, 400 people requires four officers)
Events over 500 people will require at least one supervisor. For every additional 500 people, an additional supervisor will be needed. (A 1,000-person event will need two supervisors)
Costs:
$40/hr per officer
$60/hr per supervisor
The Police Department will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc. Staffing requirements will be different for parades, motorcycle rides, or other types of events.
Fire Department-
For events with less than 250 people, a minimum of two firefighters (includes ATV/UTV) will be required.
For events over 250 people but less than 500 people, four firefighters will be required.
Events over 500 people will require an additional firefighter for every 250 people.
Events over 500 will require at least one supervisor.
Costs:
$40/hr per firefighter
$60/hr per supervisor
Any event that requires special permits (fireworks, tents, etc.) will be required to apply and pay applicable permit fees through the Fire Department.
The Fire Department will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc.
Parks and Recreation Department-
One employee will be required per 50 people for clean up services.
Costs:
$45/hr per employee
The Parks and Recreation Department will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc.
Solid Waste Division-
Costs:
Solid Waste service is $95/hr with a $30/event disposal fee.
Solid Waste Division of Public Works will review the event application and will determine if services may be required depending on event attendance, footprint, activities, vendor attendance, etc.
Streets/Traffic Division-
Costs:
For an event requiring a standard downtown street closure (York St. to Dr. MLK Jr. Way and the top portion of S. South St.) for four hours, the cost is $270.
For an event requiring the use of a street sweeper either before or after the street closure, the cost of the closure is increased to $510.
Streets/Traffic Division of Public Works will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc. Staffing requirements will be different for different event closure areas/streets. Parades will be quoted on a case by case basis from Streets/Traffic.
