Guymon tourism board recommends increases for 2026 budget, including bigger grants and marketing

The Guymon Convention Tourism Board at a regular meeting recommended a set of priorities for the 2026 convention and tourism budget to the city manager, including increasing the “big grant” line, boosting marketing and community-events funding, creating a Main Street/community assistance line tied to an Oklahoma Department of Commerce program, and setting aside money for board training, billboards and fireworks.

The board’s recommendations matter because the convention and tourism fund pays for marketing, event support, grants to local businesses and reimbursement for community events; the board told staff it will forward its recommendations to the city manager for inclusion in the city’s 2026 budget submittal to city council.

Board members and staff reviewed year-to-date figures and proposed changes. The board noted an estimated hotel/motel revenue figure of about $700,000 for 2026, and members cautioned that revenues and transfers could change during the year. Staff said the convention assistance allocation was budgeted at $90,000 for the current year and projected to be about $81,000 at year end; the board discussed how multi-year funding of recurring events can shift items to the city’s general fund under an existing rule that moves items funded by the city for three consecutive years into the general fund.

Major recommendation items discussed

- Big grants: The board recommended increasing the “big grant” line from $25,000 to $40,000 and flagged that, with broader eligibility under revised guidelines, demand could exhaust the line quickly. Staff reported one large application already on the desk for 2026 (the applicant described in packet materials as a wellness-center application). The board asked staff to monitor applications and return with specifics before the council submission.

- Main Street / Department of Commerce program: Board members discussed participation in an incentive program administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce through the Main Street program. The state program can support renovation projects up to $150,000; it requires the local sponsor to provide half the project cost. The board directed staff to create a community-assistance/Main Street line (earmarked for Main Street district projects) so the city could provide matching funds when appropriate; members discussed that a typical city match for a $150,000 project would be $75,000 if the full program award were pursued.

- Marketing and promotions: Several members asked that the marketing/promotions budget be increased; one recommendation put the line at $40,000. The board discussed that higher marketing spending is intended to maintain or grow hotel occupancy and bed-tax receipts, which feed the convention fund.

- Community events and convention assistance: Board members recommended increasing the community-events line (one suggested level was $30,000) and emphasized funding recurring events that draw visitors, including “Home for the Holidays” (listed in packet materials as a Chamber of Commerce event) and a Broadway event. Staff explained the three‑year funding rule that can move repeatedly city-funded events into the general fund as a line item.

- Fireworks and holiday events: Members discussed restoring or increasing funding for New Year’s Eve fireworks tied to the Chamber’s Home for the Holidays event. The packet reflected a past request of $15,000; the board discussed setting aside $20,000 to $25,000 so costs would not exceed the budget and suggested budgeting at the higher amount (one member said matching the Fourth of July fireworks budget — $25,000 — would avoid shortfalls).

- Training and education for board members: The board discussed adding a training/education allocation to support attendance at Municipal League and Main Street trainings (open-meetings, budgeting, and related topics). Staff estimated approximately $5,000 to support training for board members and said some shorter, local options exist.

- Billboards: Members discussed allocating funds to lease highway billboards as a marketing tool and proposed an initial $20,000 line to pilot billboard placements; staff will research lease rates and legal restrictions.

Budget process, timing and risks

Staff told the board that members’ recommendations are advisory and will be compiled with other departmental requests as the city manager prepares the budget for council review (staff said the draft would be ready for the December council meeting). Board members repeatedly noted that the $700,000 revenue estimate could change and that any large unanticipated expenditures or declines in sales or hotel tax collections could necessitate transfers or amendments during the fiscal year. City staff also flagged potential large utility capital needs that could affect transfers among city funds.

Other items

- Staff reported a Main Street training series and new Main Street businesses; packets included revised grant guidelines that are now in effect for future applications.

- Board management: Staff confirmed two upcoming openings on the Convention Tourism Board (packets named Shelby and Vanessa as seats up) and reminded members the board’s next meeting is scheduled for November 20.

Votes and formal actions

At the start of the meeting the board approved minutes from the Sept. 18, 2025 regular meeting with a correction to item 6; the minutes passed with the correction. The board later voted to adjourn the meeting. No formal council-facing budget ordinance or appropriation vote was taken by the board at this meeting; the board’s statements were sent as recommendations to staff for inclusion in the city manager’s budget.

Ending

Board members asked staff to refine numbers and bring specific application details (including the large grant application) and final line-item language for the December council packet. Staff said it will compile the board’s recommendations and present a draft budget to the city manager for the council process.