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Council to consider FY26 hotel-motel grants after committee review
Summary
Staff presented recommended allocations from the FY26 hotel-motel fund; the grant slate will be on Thursday's agenda and staff said the packet included nine applications totaling about $114,000 against a $50,000 pool for non-profit grants.
Brian (staff) presented proposed allocations from Marion's hotel-motel tax funding for fiscal year 2026 at the June 17 work session, noting the review committee received nine applications totaling about $114,000 and recommended awards totaling the budgeted $50,000 for the nonprofit grant program.
Committee composition and criteria
Brian said the hotel-motel review committee includes one council representative (Councilmember Sarnad), two city staff and two residents. Applications were scored against published criteria, and the committee recommended awards shown in the meeting packet. Brian said this year's applicant pool rose from seven to nine organizations.
Council discussion
Council members questioned whether award decisions sufficiently prioritize events that directly bring hotel stays to Marion. One councilor urged future tightening of guidance so funds emphasize events that generate lodging and local economic activity. Brian said council is the final decision maker and staff can return with revised guidance if requested.
Next steps
The resolution approving the recommended allocations will appear on Thursday's council agenda for final action.
Ending: No final vote occurred at the work session; staff requested any council direction on allocation criteria prior to Thursday's vote.
