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Board approves three-jurisdiction tourism cooperative agreement; adds small sales-tax component to funding formula
Summary
The Board adopted a three-way cooperative agreement with the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg to run a joint tourism program; the agreement adds 0.002% of sales tax to the funding formula, sets a three-year term with automatic renewals, and formalizes advisory groups and oversight.
Montgomery County, from Jan. 13, approved an organizational cooperative agreement with the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg to continue a joint regional tourism program and to strengthen the program's funding and governance.
Interim tourism director Chris Lawrence told supervisors the partnership operates under the brand "Go To Town" (Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Montgomery County). The agreement sets governance, oversight and a funding formula that continues to use 1% of transient occupancy (lodging) tax and adds 0.002% of sales tax to increase county support. The board approved an initial three-year term with two automatic three-year renewals unless a party declines.
The operating board will be the two town managers plus the county administrator; advisory groups include the Montgomery Tourism Development Council and a sports-and-outdoors committee run by parks-and-rec directors. Lawrence said Christiansburg approved the agreement in December and Blacksburg planned a public hearing Feb. 11. If all parties approve, the county will advertise to recruit a permanent tourism director.
Citizens at the county public hearing voiced both support and concerns. Christine Waltz praised increased transparency and responsiveness; another speaker urged clearer spending plans for accumulated tourism reserves; others suggested stronger Christiansburg representation. Supervisors and staff said they will provide historical spending information and a forward plan for the tourism fund; interim staff indicated the operating board would detail proposed uses in upcoming budget discussions.
Action: The board adopted the organizational cooperative agreement by roll call vote, seven ayes.
Ending: With the agreement approved, staff said recruitment for a permanent director will proceed and the county will work with partner jurisdictions and advisory groups to present a budget and an operational plan for the tourism program.
