Rangely council reviews Chamber request for $20,000 amid event losses; reinstatement of special‑use permit deferred

Representatives of the Rangely Chamber of Commerce asked the Town Council on Sept. 23 for an additional $20,000 for 2025, citing revenue shortfalls from events and new costs tied to revived programming.

Emma, speaking for the Chamber, explained the organization had incurred deficits for recent events — she noted Rock and Bulls showed about a $17,000 loss and Butch Cassidy Days about $11,500 in the materials presented — and described efforts to pivot toward lower‑cost formats, including an October crawl and expanded Main Street markets. The Chamber said previous revenue streams were disrupted this year and that it sought additional support to continue community programming.

Councilmembers expressed sympathy for the Chamber but cautioned the town’s limited finances. Staff and council members said the town is facing tighter budgets and noted recent reductions in state funding that have affected local projections. A motion to reinstate the Chamber’s special‑use liquor permit privileges after a six‑month suspension was made and seconded, but the mover rescinded the immediate vote and the council agreed to put the reinstatement on the next meeting agenda so absent members can participate.

Council and Chamber representatives discussed operational workarounds and possible modifications to events aimed at increasing local spending. No additional town funding was approved at the meeting; councilmembers encouraged the Chamber to continue exploring lower‑cost event options and to return with more detailed plans if it requests additional funding in the future.