Council approves bed-tax economic development grants to Wayne County Fair and Alice Noble Ice Arena

The Wooster City Council on June 16 approved Resolution 2025-46 to award competitive economic development grants funded by the city’s bed tax. Two applicants — the Wayne County Agricultural Society (Wayne County Fair) and the Alice Noble Ice Arena — received grants; a third applicant’s request remains pending while it finalizes approvals.

Allocation and purpose: City staff said the competitive pool is intended to support programs that increase visitors and overnight stays (the bed tax’s revenue source) and to fund capital projects that promote tourism and economic activity. The administration recommended funding each applicant at roughly 50% of the amount requested so the limited pool could assist multiple projects.

Letters and testimony: City staff read submitted letters from the applicants because both organizations had prior commitments and could not attend. The Wayne County Agricultural Society’s letter described a fence replacement project to improve the fairgrounds’ appearance; Alice Noble Ice Arena’s letter, from Arena Director Rob Wells, thanked the council for funding an HVAC lobby upgrade and stated the arena’s tournaments and events generate significant regional economic activity.

Council comments: Some councilmembers said they would like more opportunity to review full applications or to hear in-person presentations from applicants before awards. City staff said applications are public record and that staff will incorporate the feedback for next year’s process but noted the administration had circulated summary memos and received no outstanding requests for more information ahead of the meeting.

Vote and implementation: The resolution passed by roll call with all present members voting yes. City staff said the final applicant that asked for a larger award will be considered separately after obtaining necessary internal approvals from its partner institution.