The County Commission approved a FY26 hotel-motel (tourism) budget of $425,000 on Aug. 6 after a lengthy discussion of priorities and matching requirements for a range of cultural, recreational and economic-development projects.

Staff presented a draft distribution that included partial funding for previously committed trail matches, a proposed grant match for a 16-acre site, support for the Morgan County Observatory to repair or replace its telescope mount and facility improvements, and a partial match for roof repairs at a local historic castle. Commissioners discussed the need to focus funds where the public will have access and where county funding will be most likely to leverage additional dollars.

The observatory presenters described public programming (planetarium shows, solar-viewing days and community events) and said a new mount and telescope would make the facility usable for volunteers, school groups and visiting members of the public. The castle application sought a partial match for a state historic grant and described free community events and tours that would remain open to the public.

Several commissioners underscored their preference for leveraging county funds to attract private and state partners and for prioritizing projects that produce measurable improvements in public access or economic activity. One commissioner noted that facade-improvement programs, though helpful, require clear criteria to ensure funds are used for public benefit.

After discussion, a motion to approve the $425,000 hotel-motel budget, as presented, passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: Hotel-motel funds are restricted-use dollars that typically target tourism and economic development; how the commission allocates the funds determines which cultural and recreational projects proceed and which must seek alternate funding.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the recommended commitments, and applicants will be required to document matches and provide receipts and project plans before disbursements are made.