Jackson tourism commission recommends 2026 hotel‑motel tax budget after presentations from Visit Washington County and local festivals

The Village of Jackson Tourism Commission on Oct. 14 recommended that the Village Board approve the 2026 hotel‑motel tax budget as presented, after hearing presentations from Visit Washington County and local event organizers and reviewing year‑to‑date revenues and the fund balance.

The recommendation followed a presentation by Tyler, a village staff member, who reviewed 2025 hotel‑motel tax figures. “For 2025, we had a budget of 74,000 in revenues and expenses,” Tyler said, and reported year‑to‑date revenues of $30,866.23 and a current fund balance of $53,237.81. He told commissioners the village expects remaining event expenses — including the Fall Festival of Fun and holiday activities such as the Christmas tree lighting and tree maintenance — to come in near the budgeted total.

Visit Washington County representative Kathy Moments summarized the countywide tourism organization’s outreach and promotional work and asked the village to continue a $6,000 annual contribution. “We develop and then print 50,000 copies” of the annual visitor guide, Moments said, describing statewide and regional…