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Lovington approves lodgers-tax allocations after chamber requests additional funds
Summary
The City Commission approved a lodgers-tax allocation package that funds local events including Party in the Park and rodeo activities; the Lovington Chamber requested an extra $4,500 for the Fourth of July event and staff amended allocations before a unanimous vote.
Claire Hosell, director of the Lovington Chamber, asked the commission for an additional $4,500 in lodgers-tax support for the chamber’s Party in the Park Fourth of July event and associated advertising, saying the chamber’s own resources could not cover all event costs. “I am asking if there is any way that we can get additional funds,” Hosell said, noting the chamber’s prior lodgers-tax requests and event expenses.
Staff presented the lodgers-tax cash balance and recommended allocations for multiple events. Commission discussion adjusted several line items: the EDC Cinco de Mayo allocation was discussed at about $10,300, Party in the Park was adjusted to roughly $12,900 (discussion referenced $12,000 or $12,900 in different remarks), theater reopening funding at $9,665, junior and senior rodeo allocations (including a county-hosted rodeo final) and Main Street events. After amendments commissioners approved a lodgers-tax resolution allocating roughly $61,500 across the listed events.
Commissioners and staff discussed the cash balance and timing of incoming quarterly revenues, noting that next-quarter receipts would increase the available balance. Staff also noted the county will cover some fair and parade costs, reducing the chamber’s needs for the next quarter. The resolution passed by voice vote; commissioners signaled the city would track expenditures and adjust future allocations as receipts are confirmed.
The chamber director thanked the commission for consideration. Staff will finalize the resolution language and distribution of funds as part of routine lodging-tax administration.
