Truman Memorial Facility Rentals

• Requests are processed on a first come, first serve basis. 
• A non-refundable guaranteed fee to hold and a completed contract are required to secure a rental date. The fee is applied to and used as the security deposit on the day of the rental. The remainder of rental fees are due 30 days before the rental date. 
• If the rental request is received less than 30 days before the date of interest, the renter must pay all deposits and fees at the same time. 
• Renters must comply with all City of Independence ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the Sermon Center and its equipment. 
• Anyone age 21 and over may request a rental space. The individual signing the contract is the person held responsible for all actions of the rental group and must personally be present and available throughout the entire rental period. Renters may designate alternate people to be in charge for check-in, during the rental and check-out if they are noted on the contract ahead of time.
• For functions involving persons under the age of 21, a supervision ratio of 1 adult to 10 minors is required. 
• For large functions, the city may require the renter to pay a fee for Independence police officers to be present. 
• Time period indicated on the rental contract is the maximum time allowed for use of the rental space. Set up and take down/cleaning times must be included in the rental time.  
• All decorations must be approved by city staff. If food is served, all tables must be covered. 
• Clean-up is the responsibility of the renter and requires the space be left in the exact condition as upon arrival.
• Volume of music used by rental groups will be at staff discretion. 
• Liability insurance in the amount of $1.5 million naming the City of Independence as additionally insured is required for major party rental or private equipment including but not limited to inflatables such as bounce houses and mechanical contraptions. The renter must receive approval from the facility supervisor and then submit the insurance to city staff before the rental date. 
• While using the Sermon Center, the renter agrees not to exclude anyone from participation/benefits of entry to the facility based on race, color, gender, age, religious affiliation, or national origin. 

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on premises without a permit.
• Renters must complete an application for an alcohol permit with the facility supervisor. 
• Alcohol permit deposit is $100. Payment is due at time of signing the application. 
• Independence police officers are required at all events serving alcohol. An extra duty employment request is required. The renter is responsible for paying the security fees associated with hiring officers for their rental. 
• Alcohol is not permitted during any events for persons under the age of 21. 

• Special equipment needs must be requested and paid for in advance at the time you make your rental payment, to allow facility staff to make necessary arrangements.   Please inquire of how many tables and chairs are available in the area you are renting prior to paying your deposit.  We are not able to provide additional tables and chairs in addition to what is available for the space you are renting.  If the number is not adequate for rental, lessee is responsible for providing additional tables and chairs at their own expense. 
• Read and sign Decorating & Cleaning Guidelines for the rental.  This is a separate form that will be provided to you by Center staff. 

• A health permit must be obtained from the Independence Health Department at least seven business days prior to your rental if you plan to serve or sell food to the open public. You must bring a copy of your completed application prior to the start of your rental. 
• If you are charging admission, you will be required to obtain a City of Independence business license. 
• All organizations must provide a copy of certificate of insurance, naming the City as additionally insured on the Certificate, at the time rental fees are due and paid. 

• A guaranteed fee to hold is required for all reservations.  In the event of a cancellation less than four weeks prior to the rental date, the guaranteed fee to hold will not be refunded and will also result in the loss of 10% of the total rental fee. 
• Cash and Check payments:  A refund check will be mailed to the lessee’s address within 30 business days.  
• All refunds will be returned providing the area rented and its furnishings are left damage-free and clean, the lessee group has complied with all facility policies and hasn’t exceeded their rental time. This includes causing no operational disruptions by being non-compliant with staff and/or disturbing other customers.  
• Lessee is responsible for payment of expenses to repair damage (or loss) to this facility, its furnishings and/or equipment which resulted from this function, whether directly or indirectly 

Groups may request use of this facility outside of regular operational hours, at an additional fee of $30/hr. for each extended hour. If staff must be retained after your rental concludes for any cleaning/maintenance, the staffing cost will be deducted from your security deposit.