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Council backs modified tourism funding package, approves temporary boost for Explore Siouxland
Summary
After extended debate, council approved a revised tourism funding plan that raises the benchmark used to split hotel-motel revenue and creates a temporary guarantee and a $300,000 incentive booking fund; Saturday in the Park funding was adjusted.
Sioux City council approved a revised tourism funding arrangement designed to increase revenue available to Explore Siouxland while preserving the city—s core hotel-motel levy used to offset property taxes.
Under the action, the benchmark for splits remains tied to a baseline hotel-motel target; any collections between the 2.5 million and 2.8 million benchmarks will continue to be split 50/50, collections between 2.8 million and 3.1 million will be routed 100% to Explore Siouxland to allow the organization to hire and expand sales and marketing capacity, and amounts above 3.1 million revert to the standard 50/50 split. Council also agreed to a city contribution toward Saturday in the Park of $25,000 (down from a staff-proposed $50,000) and to a two-year guarantee amount that staff will track in annual budget reviews.
"We need staff," the new Explore Siouxland director said during the hearing, arguing that two employees cannot sustain the city—s sales and marketing needs. Councilors expressed concern about multi-year commitments but recognized that predictable funding helps the DMO recruit staff and pursue events that generate hotel-room nights and visitor spending.
Council adopted the amended proposal after a motion and two-year commitment, with staff directed to return with implementation language and reporting metrics next budget cycle. The action also included a $300,000 event-incentive fund previously approved separately to attract concerts and regional athletic events.
Council members said they expect Explore Siouxland to provide periodic performance updates — including ticket counts, hotel metrics and economic-impact estimates — to let the city evaluate the return on investment.
