Rolla Chamber reports motel‑tax revenue up after voter approval; grants, marketing expanded

The Rolla Chamber of Commerce updated council Aug. 18 on midyear tourism activity and the first months of revenue following a voter‑approved motel‑tax increase from 3 percent to 5 percent. Stevie Kearse, executive director, said the additional revenues (the city retains 10 percent for administration and remits 90 percent to the chamber under contract) are being used as promised: to expand marketing, increase the Destination Rolla grant program and add staff focused on group travel and events. Key figures and actions: through July the chamber reported $400,000 in motel‑tax remittances (90% share), up about $175,000 over the same period the prior year, and on track to exceed earlier projections. The Destination Rolla grant program was increased to $50,000 for 2025, and the chamber hired a group travel and events coordinator in June (Addie Reardon). Marketing and projects: the chamber noted expanded digital advertising, new analytic software (Placer) that provides visit counts, dwell time and origin data for events and destinations, and placement of new Route 66 centennial sculpture (installed with grant funding and local fabrication by Focus Welding). The chamber reported outreach to Fort Leonard Wood newcomers and continued visitor center operations including management of five historic buildings and nearly 10 acres of grounds. Why this matters: motel‑tax revenues support tourism promotion and visitor services; the chamber said higher revenues will help grow events, recruit groups (bike tours, band/vehicle touring groups, wine groups) and measure visitor patterns to guide future investments. Council and next steps: council received the chamber’s presentation and the chamber asked to continue coordination with city staff on signage, property maintenance and grant implementation. The chamber said it will continue to report on motel‑tax performance and the Destination Rolla grant recipients.