Rhea County allocates hotel‑motel tax funds to cover half of host fees for several fishing tournaments

Rhea County commissioners on Aug. 19 voted to use hotel‑motel tax receipts to cover 50% of host fees for a series of fall 2025 fishing tournaments and approved a separate allocation to fund three additional events.

What the commission approved: Resolution 25-08-61 reaffirmed funding for 50% of host fees for specified 2025 tournaments (including Phoenix BFL Volunteer #5, ABA Couples' Tour Championship, Bill Dance Giant Bass Open, and Volunteer Bass Trail). Resolution 25-08-62 allocated $17,486.50 from the hotel‑motel tax fund to cover half the host fees for three additional events (Casting for Kids Fall Classic, Indiana Bass Federation, and a BFL regional), contingent on the other municipalities approving matching shares.

Why it matters: The county's use of hotel‑motel tax funds aims to support tourism and event-driven visitor spending; packet materials list host-fee amounts, ancillary costs (homeland security, porta‑potties, briefings), and estimated boat counts to justify the county share.

Budget details: Packet itemizations show event totals and the county’s 50% share. Examples: Phoenix BFL Volunteer #5 — total $2,933; county half $1,466.50 (estimated 120 boats). ABA Couples' Tour Championship — total $16,623; county half $8,311.50 (200 boats). The separate allocation resolution lists a $13,311.50 county commitment for a future BFL regional in 2026 (half of a $26,623 host-fee package) as one of three items totaling $17,486.50.

Next steps: County tourism staff and the city of Dayton (and Spring City when indicated) will confirm matching shares and finalize event logistics. The county’s allocation is contingent on municipal matches for the extra tournaments.

Provenance: County commission resolutions and tourism packet tables read into the commission minutes.