Scott County Visitors Commission approves $5,000 Christmas-light payment and weighs amphitheater, transportation projects

The Scott County Visitors Commission on Monday approved payment of an invoice for holiday lighting and spent the bulk of its meeting discussing 2026 project priorities, including an amphitheater, courthouse-square upgrades and possible local transit partnerships.

Commissioners voted to approve a $5,000 invoice from contractor Pete Hammer for setting up and taking down Christmas lights on the courthouse square. The motion to approve was made and seconded during the meeting; no opposition was recorded on the transcript and signatures were requested so staff could issue payment.

The commission also discussed a billboard advertising application for JR Billboards submitted to promote a local coffee shop (Java). Commissioners reviewed the packet, debated digital versus printed displays and discussed sharing cost responsibilities. The transcript records a motion to support the application and a second; commissioners expressed general support after discussion about reserving digital boards for events.

Beyond immediate bills, members spent the meeting weighing larger 2026 projects. Cost estimates for a proposed amphitheater ranged widely in the discussion — speakers referenced low-end estimates (about $350,000) up to multimillion-dollar options and cited a recent $3.5 million state grant in Madison as an example of the scale of funding sometimes involved. Commissioners raised practical concerns: suitable site selection, required parking for large events, long-term maintenance, and whether an amphitheater should be built on city versus county-owned land.

As an alternative or complement to large-capital projects, one commissioner proposed improving the courthouse square with a permanent concrete pad, wayfinding signs and amenities (picnic tables, restrooms) to make the square usable year-round for events, including the skating rink. Supporters said any one-time improvements would need committed maintenance funding.

Commissioners also discussed local transportation ideas: partnering with First Christian Church or local private providers to run small buses, trolleys or a paid shuttle service to help residents and visitors access jobs and downtown businesses. The transcript notes the pastor at First Christian Church had been approached and indicated interest; commissioners said they would explore options.

Financial context surfaced throughout. One commissioner noted the commission’s income was about $80,000 higher than the prior year, largely because of a single unusually large deposit; the source of that deposit was not resolved during the meeting.

Next steps recorded in the discussion included pursuing confirmation of officer nominations later in the year, asking staff to return with more detailed cost estimates for any major project, and coordinating with county commissioners on use of county-owned property for larger projects.