During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the potential allocation of restaurant and lodging tax revenues to enhance local tourism and fund community projects. The proposal suggests that a portion of the restaurant tax revenue could be directed towards completing the core expansion at Allen County Park, a project deemed vital for local tourism and community engagement.

The committee emphasized their commitment to ensuring that the restaurant tax, which can only be implemented by the city, would be used specifically for tourism-related projects. They pledged to review the necessity of continuing the tax once the proposed projects are fully funded. If no further needs are identified, they would request the city to rescind the tax.

Additionally, the lodging tax revenue is proposed to support general operations, thereby reducing the financial burden on city and county budgets. The committee plans to hire a professional tourism director to qualify for additional tourism grant funds, ensuring that the tourism program becomes self-sustaining.

Challenges in estimating potential revenue from both taxes were acknowledged, particularly due to the prevalence of unregistered Airbnbs in the county. The committee expressed intentions to address this issue by ensuring compliance and registration of these lodging establishments.

The discussions highlighted a broader vision for economic growth through targeted tourism initiatives, with the hope that increased tourism would lead to more visitors dining in local restaurants and potentially necessitating new hotel developments. The committee underscored that their goal is to promote the community's existing beauty and attractions, inviting others to experience what the area has to offer.