Pryor City Council reallocates tourism funds among Chamber Main Street and public schools

The Pryor Creek City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, focused on the allocation of hotel-motel tax funds, a critical resource for promoting tourism and supporting local events. A significant decision was made to adjust funding percentages among the local Chamber of Commerce, the Main Street program, and Pryor Public Schools, reflecting a shift in priorities aimed at enhancing tourism and community engagement.

The council proposed a new allocation structure: 30% of the funds will go to the Chamber of Commerce, 10% to the Main Street program, and 10% to Pryor Public Schools. The remaining funds will be set aside for grants and community projects that foster tourism and special events. This change comes after discussions highlighted the need for a more strategic approach to funding, ensuring that the money is used effectively to draw visitors to Pryor Creek.

The Hotel-Motel Board introduced a tiered application system to evaluate funding requests. This system categorizes events into three tiers based on their potential to attract visitors and generate sales tax revenue. Tier 1 includes local events that may not significantly impact overnight stays, while Tier 2 focuses on regional events that draw larger crowds. Tier 3 is reserved for major projects that promise substantial long-term benefits for the community.

Council members expressed concerns about previous allocations to schools, noting that some funds were used for purposes that did not directly contribute to tourism. The decision to reduce school funding was framed as a necessary step to ensure that the hotel-motel tax is used in alignment with its intended purpose of boosting local tourism.

In conclusion, the adjustments made during this meeting reflect a commitment to enhancing Pryor Creek's appeal as a destination while balancing the needs of local organizations. The council aims to foster a collaborative environment where funding decisions support community growth and tourism development, ultimately benefiting all residents.