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Tourism board reallocates $12,000 rodeo grant to Historic Madison Inc.; recommends funds go to Saddle Tree Factory
Summary
With the county rodeo canceled for health reasons, the Jefferson County Board of Tourism voted to transfer a $12,000 grant originally designated for the event to Historic Madison Incorporated, and recommended the organization route the money to the Saddle Tree Factory.
The Jefferson County Board of Tourism voted to move a $12,000 grant that had been earmarked for the county rodeo to Historic Madison Incorporated (HMI), with a recommendation that HMI direct those funds to the Saddle Tree Factory after the rodeo was canceled for health reasons.
Board Chair said the rodeo "will not occur this year for health reasons," and that Trevor had discussed the matter with Ellie Troutman, who "has requested that those monies be donated to the Saddle Tree factory." The board member who made the motion asked that HMI be asked to disburse the funds "how they see fit," while noting the board’s preference that HMI consider directing the money to Saddle Tree Factory.
Why it matters: The reallocation keeps the $12,000 in local nonprofit channels and responds to a request tied to a local heritage site that several speakers tied to school-visit programming. During public comment, an audience member said Saddle Tree Factory leaders are working on curriculum development and noted interest from a school group in Oldenburg, saying, "we are actively working on stuff at the Saddle Tree Factory... I sent out, you guys should have all received it, information about a curriculum development".
Details and action: A board member moved to transfer the $12,000 to Historic Madison Incorporated with the recommendation that it go to the Saddle Tree Factory; another board member seconded the motion. The board then voted in favor and the motion passed.
Discussion vs. decision: Board discussion documented (cancellation of the rodeo and a request from Ellie Troutman to redirect funds); formal action documented (vote to transfer the $12,000 to HMI with a recommendation to allocate to Saddle Tree Factory). The board did not specify legally binding language tying HMI to use the funds for Saddle Tree Factory; the transcript shows the recommendation but not a binding restriction.
Ending: Board members and public commenters framed the reallocation as a way to support local heritage programming; Saddle Tree Factory representatives described ongoing curriculum and school-visit planning that would be eligible for the funds.
