If the Krewe of Orpheus wants to hold a St. Patrick’s Day parade, it looks like they are going to have to find a company or companies to sponsor it.

The issue, which was tabled last month after the Mandeville City Council told parade organizers the city does not have the money to pay for another parade, came back before the City Council Thursday night and parade organizers got the same answer.

“I think you have a great idea, but under circumstance and financial conditions I don’t’ feel we should spend that kind of money this year,” longtime Council members Adelaide Boettner told parade president Brett Lowe. City Finance Director Milton Stiebing said parades cost the city an estimated $30,000 each in police and public works costs.

Lowe said because the proposed parade is planned to be held in the afternoon, many families will come and spend the day in Mandeville eating and shopping which will result in sales tax revenue for the city.

He said in his opinion the sales tax revenue will more than make up the $30,000 the city would have to put up to have the parade.

“It takes a lot of sales tax to come up with $30,000,” Boettner told Lowe.

While council members agreed that a St. Patrick’s Day parade would be a good thing for the city, they also agree that the city does not have the money to fund another parade.

“Conceptually the parade is a great idea, but from a cost perspective, that is a lot of money for the city to put out in addition to what the city is already putting out for the Krewe of Orpheus’ Mardi Gras parade,” Mayor Pro Tem Trilby Lenfant said.

She suggested the krewe seek out corporate sponsors to help defray the cost of putting on the parade.

The issue was tabled, giving parade organizers another month to investigation this option.

The krewe originally planned to rent out its floats for the parade to businesses and community groups, but Lowe said the krewe has changed its approach and they would now like to roll with family members on the floats.

They are also going to consider donating a float to needy organizations with the purpose of getting television stations to advertise the parade for free and in turn advertise Mandeville.

Lowe said as of Thursday evening, he had received deposits from 302 riders before even opening it up to general public, proving that there is an interest in the community.

Lowe said he is not giving up on the idea of hosting the parade in Mandeville on March 21, and will take with businesses about possible sponsorship and come back in the December.