Council approves funding agreement, accepts tourism bureau assets; two council members abstain from funding vote

The Lincoln City Council voted on Aug. 18 to approve two related items with the Logan County Tourism Bureau: a funding agreement contingent on a parallel county agreement, and a separate sale‑and‑transfer of assets agreement.

On the funding agreement, Alderman Sanders moved to approve and Alderman McCullum seconded. Alderman Bateman said he would abstain because the tourism bureau awards grants and he is the president of an organization that may apply for a grant: "Because I understand that the tourism bureau hands out grants to, different organizations and that I happen to be a president of 1 of those organizations that may apply for a grant, I would be abstaining from the vote tonight." Alderman Downs also said he would abstain for the same reason: "I'm also on the board of a grant of a committee that might receive a grant, so I'll also abstain." On roll call the council recorded six yes votes and two abstentions, and the motion passed with the abstentions noted on the record.

A separate motion to approve the sale and transfer of assets agreement between the Logan County Tourism Bureau and the City of Lincoln was moved by Alderman Sanders and seconded by Alderman O'Donoghue. That motion carried on roll call with all members present voting yes.

The council did not record in the meeting transcript further debate about grant criteria, asset details, or financial terms for either agreement. The funding agreement will become effective only after the Logan County Tourism Bureau and Logan County approve the corresponding county funding agreement, as stated during the motion presentation.