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Groves council approves $4,000 hotel-occupancy-tax support for Knights of Columbus golf tournament
Summary
City council approved up to $4,000 in hotel-occupancy-tax funds for the Knights of Columbus’ 19th annual golf tournament to support Summerville (Estelle) center programs.
The Groves City Council approved a hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) funding request of up to $4,000 for the Knights of Columbus’ 19th annual Estelle/Allen Fetters Center golf tournament, which the group said raises money for a local day program for adults with disabilities.
Council approved the amended motion — funding “not to exceed $4,000” — after the Knights’ representative explained past fundraising and the local center’s reliance on the tournament.
At the meeting a Knights representative (identified in the transcript as “Mister Leroy”) told the council the group had received $4,000 from the city the previous year and described last year’s tournament as successful. Rossell, identified as director of the Summerville center located at 4601 Main Avenue, told council members the center has nine clients, described center activities and said the center would not be able to remain open without support from events such as the Knights’ tournament. Rossell said the center is open Monday–Thursday and that she is the only paid employee.
Council discussed eligible uses for hotel-occupancy-tax funds and the need to follow statutory eligibility rules. Council members noted that HOT money may be used for tourism-related expenses such as advertising, concessions and course rental; they said raffle prizes are typically donated. A councilor said the city has historically disbursed funds as "not to exceed" amounts and required the Knights to return receipts showing how the money was spent.
The amended motion passed with the mayor voting aye, Council member Holmes voting aye, and Council member McAdams voting aye; the clerk announced the motion passed. The Knights’ representative reported that in a recent year the group “brought a check to the center for 8 18 thousand 5 hundred dollars,” a figure stated in the meeting transcript by the presenter.
The council did not specify further reporting deadlines; staff said HOT disbursements must be reconciled with receipts and approved by staff; the city manager and finance staff will review the Knights’ documentation after the event.
