Tourism director proposes $4.2M budget; board debates lodging tax administration

Sullivan County’s tourism lead presented a $4.2 million proposed budget for tourism promotion and said the agency has cash reserves from lodging tax receipts that could be used to fund a more aggressive marketing strategy.

"I'm giving you what I think we need to have and what I think will get our economy back in motion," the tourism lead said, arguing the spending would deliver a return on investment in the form of increased sales tax.

Board members questioned whether that level of spending was realistic given anticipated lodging tax receipts and noted the current contract structure does not provide the full 85 percent of tax receipts to the tourism contractor. The tourism lead called the 15 percent administrative share "absurd," prompting a correction from other members that the county is permitted to hold up to 15 percent for administration under state law.

"15% is held by the county as per up to 15%...It does not go to political campaigns," a member said, asking colleagues to avoid unfounded accusations and noting that the county must follow tax‑code limits.

The tourism lead said some administrative costs could be lower in practice but urged the board to allow a more expansive promotional budget, saying lodging tax reserves have been accumulated for tourism promotion. No vote on the proposed tourism budget was recorded in the transcript; the tourism lead said she would return next month with further discussion.

The discussion also included event scheduling and an annual meeting at Bethel Woods on Dec. 18 where a new visitor guide and county brand will be unveiled.

The board did not record a formal decision on the budget during the session.