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Room Tax Commission accepts financial report, approves $700,000 Ad & Promo budget and adds $75,000 for 2026 grants
Summary
At its Dec. 10 meeting the Room Tax Commission accepted the treasurer’s report, authorized two commissioners to review outstanding Chamber vouchers, approved a $700,000 advertising and promotion budget for 2026, and added $75,000 to make $100,000 available for grant awards next year.
The Room Tax Commission on Dec. 10, 2025 accepted the December treasurer’s report, voted to keep the 2026 Ad & Promo allocation at $700,000, and approved a $75,000 transfer to the grant account to bring available grant funds to $100,000 for 2026 awards.
Treasurer Sue Saxhaug presented account balances and recent receipts. She reported the general account balance at the beginning of October was $248,319.61 and the grant account balance was $25,177.79 for a total of $273,497.40; receipts of $385,141.85 were received from the three municipalities. As of Nov. 30 the commission-controlled balances were $633,456.46 in the general account and $25,177.79 in the grant account, for a combined $658,634.25. The commission voted to accept the treasurer’s report (motion carried).
Commissioners also addressed a backlog of Chamber vouchers. Kim Emerson said she had not completed vouchers for October and November, leaving approximately six months of Room Tax vouchers to the Chamber outstanding. The commission authorized Chair Ron Van Dusen and Treasurer Sue Saxhaug to visit the Chamber office to review, approve and sign the vouchers and issue payment once the vouchers are completed (motion by Crystal Loppnow, second by Ron Van Dusen; motion carried).
On the budget for advertising and promotion, the commission approved a $700,000 Room Tax allocation for Ad & Promo for 2026. Commissioner Vic Washelesky asked about an $8,500 line item for influencer expenses; Emerson said influencers are contracted through the advertising agency Belter & Lincoln and campaign reach is measured by post likes and shares. Commissioners approved the $700,000 allocation (motion carried).
The commission discussed grant program demand for 2026; three organizations were named as waiting for the program to re-open: the Eagle River Fire Department, the Upper ER Chain of Lakes Association, and the Historical Society. The commission voted to add $75,000 to the grant account so $100,000 will be available for 2026 awards. First-round applications are due March 31, 2026 (motion carried).
The meeting’s routine motions included approval of the October minutes and acceptance of Justin Behling’s resignation. The commission adjourned at 9:53 a.m.; its next meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
