Chase County approves $38,700 transient guest tax disbursement to local chamber for tourism promotion

The Chase County Commissioners voted Jan. 31 to distribute $38,700 in transient guest tax funds to the Chase County Chamber of Commerce for tourism promotion and marketing.

The chamber’s executive director briefed the commission on 2024 initiatives — signage updates on Highway 50 and the Kansas Turnpike, light‑pole banners promoting local events, River Suite dinners and statewide media outreach — and described upcoming tourism activities for 2025, including hosting international travel writers in October and coordinating with partners on World Cup–related tourist interest in 2026.

During the presentation the director said roughly half of her position is funded through transient guest tax revenue because a majority of her duties relate to tourism promotion. Commissioners clarified that transient guest tax funds must be used for tourism‑related expenses.

A commissioner moved and the commission approved the requested distribution by voice vote; the county record shows the motion carried and staff said the chamber provided an invoice and budget supporting the $38,700 request. At the meeting commissioners also referenced the current transient tax balance (discussion referenced an amount described in the record but not stated as a precise figure); county staff confirmed the distribution is restricted to tourism uses.

The chamber director left commissioners with a thumbnail list of likely 2025 activities, including byway promotion, regional media outreach, and material for turnpike and highway signage.

Action: motion carried to release $38,700 in transient guest tax funds to the Chase County Chamber of Commerce.