Guymon tourism board flags hotel/motel tax prospects, budget questions and a big solar project
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Summary
Board members noted an incoming Blattner solar project they expect will bring visitors, discussed a possible hotel/motel tax increase and raised questions about community-events spending and next year—s grants budget.
At its regular meeting the Guymon Convention and Tourism Board discussed expected economic benefits from a large incoming Blattner solar project, questions about the board—s budget lines and plans for upcoming community events.
A board member told the meeting the Blattner project could bring an influx of workers and visitors: "We're getting a big Blattner solar project. We're gonna have 400 people," the member said, and added that the project might increase hotel/motel tax revenue that supports the board's programs.
Board members also reviewed grant and event accounts. One board member said the community-events line showed $12,000 allocated but about $19,000 spent, prompting discussion about reallocation and how those expenditures were recorded in the fiscal-year budget. Sheila, a staff member involved with grants, said the grants process had been adjusted and that the board had added a new allowance so a wider set of applicants — including local restaurants and mobile vendors — can apply.
Board members asked staff to provide budget worksheets and to help schedule one-on-one follow-ups with city staff (Mike) to clarify how some commercial tourism items were routed through other channels without appearing on the board's agenda. The board also noted a convention-tourism funded event on Dec. 1 (lining of the park), and members encouraged business participation.
The board adjourned at about 12:21 p.m.; no final policy changes were adopted at the meeting.
