Council backs applying for lodging‑tax funds to cover initial operating costs of new cross‑country course

Chelsea Walls, Finance Director, told council staff will seek consensus to return with a formal motion asking the Local Tourism Advisory Committee (LTAC) to award lodging‑tax funds to cover initial operating and maintenance costs for the city’s new cross‑country course.

Walls said staff’s current estimate for 2026 maintenance is about $257,000 and that, until rental fees and operations stabilize, the general fund would otherwise carry those costs. She said the lodging‑tax request would be reimbursement‑based, consistent with other LTAC awards, and that the city would be reimbursed only for actual eligible expenses up to the awarded amount.

Councilmember Jason Yeager and others said they expect the course will generate sales and lodging tax revenue over time but that such revenue is difficult to estimate before the facility is in operation. City Manager John Homan said the 2023 tourism analysis provides conservative economic‑impact projections and staff will present more detailed estimates and an operating model in future work.

Council consensus was recorded (at least 6–1) in favor of staff returning with a motion to apply to LTAC for operating and maintenance funding for 2026. Walls and staff said they would pursue the application on a one‑year basis and noted the LTAC schedule requires timely action to be eligible for next year’s awards.