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Discover Cottage Grove board approves 2026 final budget showing $7,499.98 shortfall to be covered by fund balance or cuts
Summary
The board approved the CVB's 2026 final budget: revenue projected $101,950, expenses $109,449.99, leaving a $7,499.98 gap to be covered by the $65,440 fund balance or expenditure reductions; staff also noted lodging tax and event revenues supporting the plan.
Phil Gents presented the Discover Cottage Grove Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 2026 final budget at the Nov. 25 meeting and the board approved the budget.
Gents outlined revenue assumptions and expense categories: lodging‑tax projections were based on a 63% occupancy estimate that yields approximately $71,500 annually; visitor guide ad sales were projected at $4,500; Food Truck Festival marketplace revenue $15,900 and sponsorships $8,000 were included; and the CVB received a $2,000 Explore Minnesota Tourism Grant earmarked for advertising. Marketing expenses were listed at $56,369.36 and operating expenses at $52,680.63.
Total revenue projections came to $101,950 while total expenses were $109,449.99, producing a $7,499.98 shortfall. Gents said staff plan to reconcile that gap through remaining fund balance (reported at $65,440) and/or reductions in expenditures. The board moved, seconded and approved the 2026 final budget by voice vote.
Gents said staff will proceed with implementation and reconciling options and will report back on any balancing actions; no further vote was recorded at the meeting on the reconciliation method.
