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Council approves additional hotel/motel funds for McHenry County Living Heritage Museum after debate
Summary
After discussion about whether hotel/motel tax funds could be used to pay for program compensation, the council approved additional funding to the McHenry County Living Heritage Museum, with staff citing a state law change that affects eligible uses.
The Athens City Council approved an increase in hotel/motel tax funding for the McHenry County Living Heritage Museum after members debated whether such funds may be used to compensate people who attract visitors.
A staff representative explained a recent state-level law change (referred to in the meeting as the Briggs Cochran bill, effective July 1) that alters permissible uses and clarified that additional funding often compensates outside contractors, artists or program leaders who bring tourism to the community rather than creating permanent salaried positions. "We couldn't do tourism without a warm human being to make tourism assets enhanced and happen," the staff speaker said, noting the museum's role in bringing programming that attracts visitors.
Some council members objected that allowing funds to be used for wages could create precedent for other 501(c)(3) applicants; others said applicants already meet qualifications and staff recommended the increased allocation to reach the maximum allowed for the applicant. After additional explanation from staff about budget lines and programmatic uses, the council approved the allocation on a recorded vote.
Council directed staff to ensure application materials and award conditions are clear about allowable costs and to flag wage/compensation items for transparency in future awards.
