Room Tax Commission appoints new member, shifts $75,000 to 2026 grant program

The Room Tax Commission on March 11 appointed Brianna Agree as a Member-At-Large and approved financial actions that included a $75,000 transfer to fund the 2026 grant program.

Brianna Agree introduced herself as the new manager of Wild Eagle Lodge and told the commission she was excited to be involved; commissioners moved and seconded her appointment (Robin Ginner/Crystal Loppnow) and the motion carried.

Treasurer Sue Saxhaug presented the March treasurer's report, saying the general account balance at the beginning of December was $633,456.46 and the grant account balance was $25,177.79, for a combined $658,634.25. The commission recorded receipts totaling $110,209.09 from the three municipalities, including an additional PriceLine payment of $13,826.09 after that vendor audited its records. Ripco Credit Union dividends of $168.31 were deposited. Disbursements from June through December totaled $421,395.62 plus a $5 cashier's check fee. Per a prior motion, $75,000 was transferred to fund the 2026 grant program; since the program began the commission has awarded $298,125 to local organizations. As of Feb. 28, 2026 the general account balance was $247,416.99 and the grant account balance was $100,194.04, for a total of $347,611.03 under commission control.

Commissioners voted to accept the treasurer's report (motion Loppnow/Ginner). They also approved and signed vouchers for January totaling $31,813.81 and February totaling $14,774.19 and authorized payment to the Chamber (motion Loppnow/Van Dusen). Earlier in the meeting the commission moved and seconded (Loppnow/Van Dusen) to authorize ex post facto approval for Ron Van Dusen and Sue Saxhaug to review and approve December vouchers; that motion was approved.

The commission adjourned at 9:43 a.m. A special session to review grant application recommendations is scheduled for April 8, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.