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Thayne council okays $500 digital ad to educate public on Special Purpose Tax, discusses 2026 festival and lodging-tax option
Summary
The Town of Thayne approved a $500 digital ad buy with SVI Media to promote the Special Purpose Tax campaign, discussed a proposed 2026 festival and potential lodging-tax ballot measure, and approved community center use for a VFW Veteran's Day breakfast.
The Thayne Town Council on Oct. 16 approved a $500 digital advertising buy with SVI Media intended to provide 50,000 impressions to educate residents about the town's Special Purpose Tax.
Duke Dance of SVI Media outlined the $500 proposal and indicated that if the campaign yields positive results the town could consider additional digital campaigns for tourism events. Councilmember Heward advocated using the buy to educate the public about the tax. The motion to approve the $500 advertisement was moved by Councilmember Heward, seconded by Councilmember Woolley and carried.
SVI Media also proposed holding a concert/festival in Thayne in 2026. Council discussed options for sourcing a stage and lighting (including seeking a grant to purchase equipment), whether camping could be allowed on town property during the event, and tourism-board funding for an upcoming ‘‘Hogwarts'themed'event.'’ Mayor Devin Simpson raised the option of adding a percentage point to the lodging tax as a ballot item to increase revenue to support tourism activities; council discussion noted that such a change would have to go before voters.
The council also approved a community-center use request from the VFW to move the Veteran's Day breakfast from Nov. 11 to Nov. 9 and use the gym and kitchen (mover: Councilmember Woolley; second: Councilmember Heward). The request came from Butch Roberts of the VFW and was carried.
Why it matters: The digital ad buy is a low-cost public outreach step ahead of potential ballot measures or tourism campaigns; the discussion of a 2026 festival and lodging-tax ballot option signals a longer-term push to expand local tourism and events revenue.
Next steps: Town staff will proceed with the $500 digital campaign and research grant opportunities for event infrastructure; any lodging-tax increase would require placement on a future ballot.
Sources: Town meeting minutes and presentations by SVI Media on Oct. 16.
