Council extends Ascension Aesthetics marketing contract while Chamber readies RFQ for Visit Mount Shasta

The City Council voted June 8 to extend the Ascension Aesthetics contract for the Visit Mount Shasta campaign from July 1 through Aug. 31, 2026 at $3,200 per month (not to exceed $6,400 total) while the Chamber of Commerce prepares a request for qualifications to explore alternative vendors.

Staff explained the Chamber owns the Visit Mount Shasta domain and requested time to compile an RFQ/RFP to evaluate market options. Under the proposed process the Chamber would manage the procurement and the city would continue to fund marketing either directly or via pass-through to the Chamber, depending on council authorization.

During public comment some residents questioned whether the city should pay for a marketing contract tied to a domain owned by the Chamber and raised concerns about the total advertising budget (one commenter cited an annual figure in excess of $38,000). A local businessperson noted Ascension Aesthetics was started by a longtime Mount Shasta resident and suggested preference for local vendors.

Council approved the two-month extension to allow the Chamber to prepare proposals and to avoid an immediate service gap. Staff said they would provide a template and assist as needed but that the contract extension would keep the program active while options are evaluated.

Next steps: Chamber to issue RFQ/RFP; staff to provide metrics and templates; council to review proposals and decide whether to change procurement or continue the city contract.