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Greensburg council backs up to $40,000 from Tourism Fund to secure Davis Park mural
Summary
Tourism Director Heather Bailey secured council consensus on Feb. 17 to pursue a budget amendment of up to $40,000 from transient guest-tax-funded Tourism Fund to help close a roughly $50,000 gap and hire artist Dave Lowenstein to paint a 360-degree mural on the Davis Park pool house.
The Greensburg City Council gave tentative approval on Feb. 17 for a budget amendment of up to $40,000 from the city's Tourism Fund to help pay for a 360-degree mural on the Davis Park pool house, designed by artist Dave Lowenstein and timed for the 20th anniversary of the tornado.
Tourism Director Heather Bailey told the council that two larger grant applications were unsuccessful and that the project currently faces about a $50,000 funding shortfall. "Bailey requested a 2026 budget amendment of $30,000-$40,000 to the Tourism Fund," Barnes said during the presentation. Bailey said the Tourism Fund has the cash on hand but lacks spending authority; the fund is supported entirely by transient guest tax receipts.
Councilmembers discussed the value of the mural to the community. Councilmember Jason West questioned the benefit to residents, noting that murals attract "mural hunters" who may spend money locally but questioned whether that is the best use of bed-tax revenue. Councilmember Wayne Keeton suggested a broader discussion about how transient guest-tax dollars should be allocated, while Mayor Matt Christenson said Tourism has built up several years of cash on hand and that it is reasonable to consider projects that improve quality of life as well as visitor draw.
Bailey said the artist has begun stakeholder engagement, including meetings with the high school art class and senior-center presentations, and that additional concept reviews will be presented to city leaders before finalizing content. Bailey invited the public to attend the monthly Tourism Board meeting, held the second Wednesday of each month in the Commons conference room behind the soda fountain.
Council reached consensus to proceed with a budget amendment of up to $40,000; Bailey said a formal amendment would be completed later in the year after outstanding grant decisions and spending authority are clarified. No city property tax funds will be used for the project, Barnes said.
