Eau Claire approves fees that could raise farmers market costs

Eau Claire’s City Council unanimously approved a proposed 2027 fee schedule that could affect the Downtown Farmers Market, whose longtime flat-rate pavilion agreement has expired. The market paid $3,300 annually from 2016 to 2025 and $4,000 in 2026; under a new contract tied to a percentage of the city’s fee schedule, the annual charge could reach $10,750 at the full rate, though market representatives have cited lower estimates under possible negotiated terms. Market leaders and vendors say higher costs could strain small businesses, force price increases or threaten the market’s ability to operate. City officials say negotiations are ongoing, hope to reach another agreement and do not intend to impose the maximum increase next year.