NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Metro government will request proposals later this month for privatizing its downtown Farmers' Market.
The market lost $633,000 during the year. The city is looking for ways to lessen the burden on taxpayers.
"We just can't keep bleeding and asking the taxpayers to open their pockets," said Councilman Charlie Tygard.
The city loses money even when attendance is good; that's because the only money coming into the market is what the merchants and vendors pay in their leases and booth fees, according to Tygard.
Nancy Whittemore, director of Metro General Services, said the request for proposals will be drafted very broadly.
"It will encourage people to come in with new ideas or their own ideas," Whittemore said.
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