Silver Leaf/Fox River resort set to close in September; county expects about $130,000 yearly hotel‑motel tax loss
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Summary
Staff told the LaSalle County Tourism Commission that Silver Leaf (also referred to as Fox River Resort) will close in September, a loss the county estimates at roughly $130,000 in annual hotel‑motel tax revenue; staff said it is unclear which of Silver Leaf’s entities are closing and that staff will seek more information.
At the April 21 LaSalle County Tourism Commission meeting, staff informed commissioners that Silver Leaf (also referenced in internal materials as Fox River Resort) is scheduled to close in September and that the county’s hotel‑motel tax receipts from the property total about $130,000 annually.
“I think they bring in approximately $130,000 for us. Right, Amanda?” the chair asked; Amanda (tourism staff) confirmed: “In tax per year. And they are closing in September and I think they're going to let 2 25 employees go. So we just have to keep that in mind now, losing that amount of money per year.”
Staff said it is not yet clear which parts of the Silver Leaf operation will close. Visitor‑services staff member Ryan told commissioners that Silver Leaf encompasses several entities: “Silverleaf has 3 entities. There's a Holiday Inn, timeshares, and a resort rental,” and that county records show the combined contribution from those entities last year was “over a hundred and over a hundred and $30,000.” Ryan said the county has so far received “over $26,000 this year from them” and that staff needs to determine whether one, some or all of the facilities will close.
Context and local concern: Earlier in the meeting a coalition representative, Anna, said local hotels have reported a downtick in reservations, “especially with Canadians,” and that some businesses are concerned about lower bookings. Anna also said a LaSalle historic passport project funded by the commission is “moving along” and expected to go to print, with historic sites joining the program and a hoped start date of June 1.
Next steps: Staff said they have contacted the property and visited recently, and will seek more detailed information about which entity or entities are closing and whether the property will be marketed for sale or repurposing. Commissioners asked staff to keep the commission updated; staff agreed to provide additional details when available.
Votes and meeting actions: the commission approved the March minutes at the start of the meeting (motion by Kathy; second by Bill; unanimous voice vote). The meeting later adjourned by voice vote.
