By Heart of Illinois ABC
NORMAL – Normal’s government is finding out the cost to taxpayers for American Idol finalist Leah Marlene’s homecoming in Normal last month, and a town spokesperson said it’s well worth the cost.
The Normal Town Council is being asked to approve $12,000 in expenses, but the amount of overtime hours for government employees is still being calculated, said Cathy Oloffson, the town’s director of communications and community relations.
The Normal West High School graduate was selected as one of the three finalists on Sunday, May 15, and town staffers had just two days to put together a homecoming event that was seen on national television the following weekend.
Thousands of people showed up to welcome the singer-songwriter in Uptown Normal, and Mayor Chris Koos declared Tuesday, May 17 Leah Marlene Day in Normal. There was a parade, and Leah Marlene performed for her adoring hometown fans.
The cost to the town will wind up less than what it spends on other community events, said Oloffson. She said the money will be paid from the $20,000 budgeted this year to market Uptown Normal.
“The Town of Normal could never buy the kind of awareness, exposure and coverage we received by showcasing our community and showing support and caring for not just Leah Marlene, but for all those who support her,” Oloffson said in a statement.
“The Town has received an overwhelmingly positive response and many messages of thanks sharing how much the community appreciated the event,” said Oloffson.
“We are proud of our community and our people and are excited to share that spirit with others,” she said.
Heart of Illinois can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
