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Council delays visitor center decision, says hotel/motel funds will be used if approved
Summary
Council received two bids to convert mall space into a visitor center, heard hotel/motel tax revenue projections and deferred the decision to next month for lease details and further vetting; staff said hot fund balance exceeded $400,000.
The council reviewed bids to convert a mall unit into a city visitor center and heard an extensive debate about priorities for hotel/motel ("hot") tax funds. Staff presented two bids (CGC at $277,700 and a higher bid at $581,000) and a project plan for a 1,700 square‑foot visitor hub with promotional monitors and a hologram display for local businesses.
Council members questioned whether hot funds should be used now—some said those funds are restricted to tourism promotion and cannot be used for general operations, while others argued that the city’s immediate needs (fire equipment, safety purchases) should take preference. City staff reported a current hot‑fund balance in the low six figures (about $434,436) and said ongoing monthly inflows (hotel receipts) replenish the account.
A motion to table the visitor center decision until the next meeting — so staff can confirm lease extension terms with current mall management and probe hotel priorities and park spending — passed unanimously. Council members also discussed proposed Fiesta and Jazz events that will draw hotel guests and were cited as rationale for promoting tourism infrastructure.
Next steps: staff to confirm lease extension terms with mall management and report back with hotel‑partner preferences and budgetary tradeoffs next month.
