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Monroe County tourism board advances proposed $6.24 million 2027 budget with steep increases for sales and operations
Summary
Board members reviewed and moved to approve a proposed 2027 budget totaling $6,237,742 that would raise Visit Bloomington operations and convention sales spending; staff said estimated 2027 revenues total about $1.44 million, leaving the board to draw on carryover funds.
A draft 2027 budget that would spend $6,237,742 and direct larger shares to promotion and convention-center operations was presented and put forward for a roll-call vote by the Monroe County convention and visitors board on a motion made during the meeting.
The proposal would allocate $2,994,000 to Visit Bloomington operations (a 24% increase from current levels), boost the convention center management company/operational line to $1,397,423, and set aside $1,593,819 for convention-center alternates, according to figures laid out by the finance presenter. The presenter told the board, “we would be expending all things are expended 6,237,742 in 2027.”
The presenter said projected collections for 2027 were roughly $1.44 million from identified income streams, requiring the board to draw down carryover balances. The presenter summarized the fiscal position earlier in the meeting, reporting a January carryover balance of $5,142,379 and a general fund balance of about $4,871,000 as of May 31.
Board members asked for clarifications about which line items would be spent in the near term versus held as carryover; one member noted there was no funding yet scheduled in the 2027 budget for downtown center buildout unless remaining dollars were spent before year-end. The presenter said the 24% increase in Visit Bloomington funding reflected anticipated additional marketing, promotion and sales work tied to the expanded convention center.
Motion and vote: The board’s motion to adopt the proposed 2027 budget was made by Mike Candle and called for a roll-call vote. The transcript records at least two board members voting "yes" (Miss Campbell and Brown) during the roll call; a full, named roll-call tally was not captured in the transcript. The motion was approved according to the meeting record.
What happens next: The board’s action moves the draft budget forward for the board’s adoption process under its local rules and for any necessary follow-up reporting; staff will reconcile remaining spending and return with any adjustments if needed.
