Residents urge cleaner downtown, warn of tourism funding loss if A&P tax is cut

Two residents used the citizen-comment period to press the board for action on downtown maintenance and to warn about cutting the city's A&P tourism tax.

Gary Carter (business owner and retired firefighter) said he purchased a building in the College Hill neighborhood for his business, Tri State Cremation and Funeral Services, and criticized a ward director's social-media post about the business, saying such public remarks discourage investment. He asked the city to be business-friendly and offered to answer questions.

George Dodson, who said he lives at 220 East Bridal and co-owns Hopkins Ice House, spoke at length about litter and weed problems downtown, saying overflowing trash cans after weekend events leave the area looking neglected. Dodson also warned that eliminating the A&P (advertising and promotion) tax would mean "$0 spent on tourism," removing funding for festivals, concerts and other promotions that attract visitors.

Directors and staff responded to the commenters: Jamie and others noted parks staff are short-handed and that maintenance schedules make it difficult to address recurring trash and weed issues in the downtown core; directors discussed whether the A&P commission could take a more active role or whether a different, more measurable spending approach should be developed. Commenters expressed willingness to collaborate with the city and A&P commission to find better ways to use tourism dollars.

No formal policy change or vote on the A&P tax occurred during the meeting; the board recorded the concerns and directed staff follow-up as needed.