Middleton tourism fund on track to end year in the black; Destination Madison contract signed

At its Nov. 19 meeting the Middleton Tourism Commission heard that third-quarter tourism fund revenue totaled $499,617 and that the tourism fund balance currently stands at $1,213,043, placing the commission "on track for ending the year in the black," staff said.

The commission's staff member presenting the financial update noted the report was compiled the prior Tuesday and cautioned that some invoices can take "up to almost 20 to 30 days" to be paid, so a few expenses were not yet reflected. The 2024 budget projected the fund would be $47,742 short if the commission spent everything in the approved budget; staff said underspending and an unfilled position helped the fund perform better than anticipated.

Staff also reported that the Destination Madison 2025 contract has been signed by all parties. "I will be reaching out to DM," the presenter said, adding that staff expects to begin meetings in January after Destination Madison delivers its annual report. Under contract stipulations the commission should receive a proposed 2- or 3‑year contract in May, with time to request changes and to accept or decline it in June to meet budget deadlines.

The presenter said city revenue-sharing payments and prior-year comparisons help explain year-to-date increases in revenue despite some monthly declines in metrics such as ADR and RevPAR. The commission thanked staff for the report and will hear Destination Madison's annual report and the hockey grant application in January.

The commission approved the meeting minutes early in the session and adjourned after routine business.