PANAMA CITY — Dozens of residents attended a Panama City Commission meeting Tuesday night to protest proposed changes in the way the city handles special events.

The proposed Special Events Handbook, which includes substantial fee increases, was met with heavy criticism from residents who said the changes could mean an end to local Mardi Gras events and impact organizers and participants in others.

Commissioners tabled discussion of the handbook and plan to hold a workshop to discuss changes. A date has not been set.

The handbook outlines rules for special events, explains the application process and lists responsibilities of the Police Department and event organizers. The handbook was referenced in the panhandling ordinance commissioners approved during the meeting, but the references were removed at the urging of those at the meeting.

The panhandling ordinance sets new rules to limit aggressive panhandling and sets rules for behavior in public parks and other public property.

The most contentious of the proposed special event regulations are fees. As presented, the $5 fee for the special events application processing would be increased to $100, but the bigger issue was a proposal to require event organizers to pay half the cost of police presence when it’s required.

Police Chief John Van Etten said the Police Department spends $80,000 per year in overtime costs related to special events.

At the heart of the issue is whether that amount should be considered a normal part of the city’s operation and covered by its tax base or whether event organizers should offset the cost.

Commissioner Mike Nichols said he was concerned it would be too much for some events.

“Going from zero to 50 percent seems like a big impact,” he said.

Pam George, president of the Krewe of St. Andrews, said the impact wouldn’t just be big, it could be devastating.

“We are not going to be able to absorb those kinds of costs,” she said, later adding, “the police cost is going to just kill us.”

Mayor Greg Brudnicki said the issue “comes down to what’s equitable,” and whether it’s fair to city residents whose tax dollars now help cover the governmental costs associated with putting on the events.

“It shouldn’t be borne by all the rest of the city,” he said.

Resident Dwight Hicks said he believes every resident attends one or more event, and it makes sense for the city to absorb the cost.

“Do we need to charge for this or offer it as a service,” he asked.

While the events might not directly pay for impacts, some said they make up for it withindirect contributions.

“Is it really costing Panama City or it is increasing the coffers of PanamaCity,” Greg Holbrook asked, pointing out increased merchant license fees the city receives when attendees shop in local businesses and other benefits from them staying in hotels. While local businesses pay the merchant license fees, vendors do not.

A consensus wasn’t reached during the meeting, but there was an agreement to come together to try to find a balance that addressed the city’s costs and the potential negative effects it could have on events.

Other concerns that will be discussed during that meeting include a decision to limit the number of routes for 5k and 10k runs and a requirement that the city be listed as an additional insured party.