The Superior Committee of the Whole voted 6–4 to let a designated tourism commission use 70% of the city’s hotel and motel room tax for tourism promotion and development.

The council took the vote after public comment from local tourism representatives and residents who urged delay. James Farkas of Billings Park opposed the change, saying it would “reduce community representation” and risk “undue influence” because the ordinance lets a single elected official appoint most commission members. Steve Fermakis, a lifelong resident, urged the council to “do the due diligence” and examine state data before deciding.

Mayor Payne defended the measure as consistent with Wisconsin law and past local practice, saying the commission structure is commonly used and that a commission would allow the city to run a competitive process that the current single-entity contracting rules restrict. “This has been a very slow, deliberate, and public process,” Payne said, adding that a commission would give the city “more options” and allow staff and the finance department to project budgets responsibly.

Council debate focused on whether the proposal had been discussed publicly for months or had appeared recently. Councilor Fennessy said the commission idea “appeared … two weeks ago” and criticized the timing of the proposal; Councilor Sweeney said the city needs to put the work out for bid and that opening contracting would “equalize” opportunities. Travel Superior representatives said the change could create volatility in marketing and continuity if the commission awarded contracts year-to-year.

By roll call, the ordinance passed six to four. The clerk announced the motion passed and the council moved on to a second ordinance to formally create the commission in amended form.