Corte Madera council accepts Chamber budget, directs staff to draft terms for potential $50,000 commitment

The Corte Madera Town Council on Dec. 16 accepted the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 budget and financial reports and discussed a requested town commitment of up to $50,000 to help the Chamber maintain operations while it pursues new revenue streams.

Chamber leaders Adam Weintrach (outgoing president) and Jim Green (incoming president) outlined the organization’s shortfall tied in part to a decline in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue they said stems from changes in local hotel operations. The Chamber asked for a financial commitment as a backstop — not an immediate transfer of funds — while it develops sponsorships, membership drives and other revenue mechanisms.

Town staff reviewed the history of TOT pass‑through arrangements (a 1992 voter measure providing 20% of TOT to the chamber), explained that TOT historically has been a pass‑through rather than a general‑fund appropriation, and cautioned the council that any grant or transfer requires a clear public purpose and parameters for expenditure. Councilmembers discussed options including a short‑term bridging resolution with conditions (e.g., specifying permitted uses such as the Fourth of July parade, rent and certain operating costs), commissioning a consultant to develop a long‑range sustainable funding plan, or forming an ad hoc subcommittee to work with the Chamber.

Public commenters urged support for the Chamber; the meeting record shows the town estimated the Fourth of July parade costs at roughly $55,000. Councilmember motions accepted the Chamber’s budget and financial statements (Resolution 47‑2025). The council directed staff to draft a resolution with parameters for a possible $50,000 commitment and to bring comparative information on how neighboring communities fund their chambers to a future meeting.