Flea and Farmers Market Rental Rates In Muskegon To Increase In 2011

Andrew Trzaska | December 16, 2010

Those looking to sell at the Muskegon Farmers Market will pay more to rent space in 2011 on both its farm and flea market days.

Muskegon’s City Commission approved multiple updates to the 2011 city’s master fee schedule at their full meeting Tuesday night, with the rental rates for Market stalls among them.

The rate increases will help pay for increases in the EBT bridge card program.  Back in June, some Farmers Market vendors started accepting Michigan Bridge Cards to purchase fresh produce and other food items at a reduced price.

The Market’s rental rates currently vary by two factors: where at the market one sets up shop and by the length of the rental agreement. Rental periods can range from just a few dates to a full 8-month season.

How much a renter’s rate will increase in 2011 will vary by how many months the rental agreement is for.  Increases will not, however, vary across the different areas of the market.

Those looking to rent any location in the farmer’s market for zero to two months will pay an extra $13 on top of last year’s rates, which begin at $150.  For three months of rent, all locations around the market will cost an extra $18.50 over last year’s rates.

Rates for four, five, six, seven and eight months have gradually larger increases, with the eight-month rate costing an additional $46 for all areas of the market.

For those looking to rent a stall or grass area at the Farmers Market for the weekly Wednesday flea market, all renters will pay an extra $1 per day to rent, with rates now ranging from $6 to $9 depending on the location at the market.

Other notable fee changes in the 2011 master fee schedule update include simplified McGraft Park rental rates, which used to vary based on the organization requesting, the day of the week and other factors.

The increases in Market fees as well as others are anticipated to help the city reach its estimated budgeted revenues for 2011.