CARMEL, Ind — The Carmel Christkindlemarkt holiday festival will continue, but not with its original board or nonprofit that has operated the event since 2017. Mayor Sue Finkam announced the city will take it over.
Finkam said that decision was to protect taxpayers because the nonprofit failed to repay the city for use of its resources.
In an email to 13News, Christkindlmarkt staff says reimbursement "had largely been resolved through the negotiations."
"The remaining issue that had become a sticky point related to the city's demand that it be granted ownership of the market and its trademarks. The CCI board could not agree to that as it would place the nonprofit status of the CCI at risk," said Sue McDermott, former board chair of Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Mayor Finkam told 13News, "By instituting a change in governance, we are now able to access financial and operational information to help ensure fiscal accountability to taxpayers. This information, even after repeated requests, was not provided."
Christkindlmarkt staff said that's not true, citing a city council member acting as a city-county liaison since the nonprofit was established.
"During that time, he and the City had access to all documents discussed by the board and at any time. Former Mayor Brainard or current Mayor Finkam have always been welcome to join our board meetings," read a statement by Christkindlmarkt staff.
In the annual report after the 2023 Christkindlemarkt, staff estimated the event drew almost 500,000 people to Carmel. Sales, both of ice skating tickets and in the market, totaled more than $9 million.
Below is Finkham's full statement:
"As mayor, I was elected to make good decisions on behalf of our community, decisions that protect taxpayers and provide greater transparency.
By instituting a change in governance, we are now able to access financial and operational information to help ensure fiscal accountability to taxpayers. This information, even after repeated requests, was not provided.
Market leadership was never asked to be accountable in this manner, even though their 2017 founding documents required it.
Market leadership, vendors and volunteers are still fully empowered to provide an incredible market experience. We all look forward to a great holiday season."