Le Mars council approves memorandum of understanding tied to proposed 2% hotel‑motel tax increase

The Le Mars City Council voted to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) intended to formalize the city’s partnership and oversight with a local tourism entity and to appoint a council representative to that entity’s board.

Council members discussed the MOU in the context of a proposed 2% increase to the city’s hotel‑motel tax that would require voter approval. Council members said the MOU is intended to provide city oversight of tourism initiatives and to allow the new tourism organization to pursue state and national grants as a 501(c)(3). Councilmembers noted the MOU itself does not obligate the city to fund the entity outright; rather, the MOU describes the proposed relationship and how funds made available by a voter‑approved tax increase would be distributed.

Council approved the MOU by voice vote. The council also approved the appointment of Bridal Pick to serve as the city council representative on the tourism board.

Councilmembers described the new entity as a vehicle to preserve institutional knowledge from volunteer organizers of existing festivals (including the Tulip Festival, Pioneer Village and other events) and to coordinate volunteers and city resources. They said the MOU is structured similarly to a letter of intent that documents partners’ willingness to work together but does not commit specific future funding until voters act on the proposed tax increase.

The council’s approvals were procedural steps to establish oversight and representation should the voter initiative pass; no new expenditures were approved by the council at the meeting.

The city clerk will reflect the council’s vote in the minutes; the item was approved by voice vote.