Former Sturgis Falls board members say they quit because of President Jay Stoddard, according to the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. Six former members say Stoddard is good at his job but makes too many decisions unilaterally, becomes confrontational, and is unwilling to be transparent about the nonprofit’s finances. 10 of 15 board members chose not to return when their terms ended on October 1st. Stoddard, who earlier announced that the Overman Park events, the Kidsway and parade are on hold because they need more sponsors, funding, and volunteers, defended his performance by saying, “When there is a banner year with great sales everyone is happy! Unfortunately, this was not one of those years.” Stoddard acknowledged a confrontation over T-shirt vendors led to several members resigning. Stoddard has argued the Cedar Basin Jazz Festival, North Shore Boat Club and River Place Plaza amphitheater should pay Sturgis 15% of their gross profit because they take away from Sturgis’ sponsors and beer revenue. Members who have resigned say that money was never an issue, even with those other events operating. They say Stoddard has been unwilling to answer their financial questions and will not allow an external audit. One member noted that $300 a month was being spent on McDonald’s.
