Information Product
	Title:		Cities Conducting Games or Contests for Money
	Summary:		MTAS was asked whether a city can sponsor a contest that charges registration fees, with part of the proceeds being donated to the regional library and part of the proceeds used for prizes.
	Original Author:		Darden, Ron
	Co-Author:
	Product Create Date:		08/04/2011
	Last Reviewed on::		08/17/2011
	Subject:		Revenue sources--Municipal--Tennessee; Revenue sources--Municipal
	Type:		General

Original Document: Reference Documents: Text of Document: August 4, 2011 Ms. Wendy Bess, City Recorder Town of Altamont P.O. Box 200 Altamont, Tennessee 37301 Re: Long Beard Contest Dear Ms. Bess I attended the recent Altamont Town Council meeting where a presentation was made for the town to endorse or sponsor a long beard contest to run from July 4 through Labor Day. The registration fee is to be $15 per participant with 50% of the revenues donated to the regional library and 50% for prizes. While this may be a worthwhile event for the community, cities are generally not allowed to conduct games or contests for money. It is the opinion of MTAS that the city lacks the authority to collect revenue in this manner. Perhaps a civic club could sponsor the long beard contest. Sincerely Ron Darden Municipal Management Consultant