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OVC board reviews proposed budget with roughly $8,000 increase and flags delinquent lodging tax collections
Summary
The Ottawa Visitors Center board reviewed a proposed budget showing an approximately $8,000 increase and discussed delinquent hotel/motel tax collections from several lodging properties; staff said legal follow-up is underway and the board approved the finance report unanimously.
The Ottawa Visitors Center board on March 18 reviewed a proposed budget submitted to the City that reflects an approximately $8,000 increase from the previous fiscal year, and discussed ongoing issues with delinquent hotel/motel tax collections.
Donna Reynolds, the OVC representative, told the board the proposed budget has been sent to the City for review and highlighted concerns about the City’s distribution process for tourism funding and a need for greater transparency. She said several lodging properties remain significantly behind on tax payments and that legal follow-up is ongoing.
The board discussed hotel/motel tax allocations and delinquent collections as part of the budget review. Anthony Williams moved to approve the Finance Report; Abby Kennedy seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Board members did not vote on the proposed budget itself at this meeting; Reynolds indicated the document had been submitted to the City for its review. The board asked for continued attention to collection efforts and transparency in how tourism funds are distributed.
The board adjourned at 5:47 PM; the next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2026.
