Caney Betterment Group asks Montgomery County to redirect Caney's 5% tourism tax share

Leaders of the Caney Community Betterment Group Foundation asked the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2, 2024 to redirect Caney’s 5% share of the county’s tourism tax to the foundation so the organization can use the funds for local branding, a new welcome sign and tourism promotion.

Jared Daniels, who identified himself as president of the Caney Community Betterment Group Foundation, said the foundation had partnered on branding work since 2021, used tourism funds to install a welcome sign and helped package promotional materials to attract visitors. "We're here on behalf of the Betterment Group Foundation to request Kenny's 5% share of the Montgomery County Tourism Tax Fund be sent to the Caney Betterment Group Foundation," Daniels said.

Commissioners asked several procedural questions: whether Caney’s chamber had been formally dissolved (Daniels said the chamber discontinued around 2010 and the Betterment Group now functions as the local chamber), whether the city would formally authorize the transfer, and whether a county resolution would be necessary. Several commissioners said they would want a written letter from the Caney mayor authorizing the foundation to receive the funds and noted the county had used a resolution to change distribution in prior years.

Daniels said he planned to bring the matter before Caney’s city council at the next meeting; commissioners requested the mayoral letter and indicated they would review a resolution or formal documentation before changing the current distribution method.

Next steps: the Caney Betterment Group will seek a formal letter from the Caney mayor and present materials at the upcoming city council meeting; the county commission asked for documentation and proof of municipal authorization before taking final action on the request.