Hubbard authorizes joining North Marion Tourism Collaborative; IGA carries no immediate funding commitment

The Hubbard City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city to join the North Marion Tourism Collaborative under an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) included in the meeting packet.

City administrator Wake and staff described the collaborative—formed in 2019 to coordinate regional tourism marketing across nine municipalities and partner organizations—and noted it now operates as a 501(c)(6) destination‑management organization. Staff emphasized the IGA in the packet "does not require any sort of funding commitment" from Hubbard and said future budget allocations would be discussed during normal budget development.

The presentation said the collaborative's objectives include shared marketing assets, a mobile visitor kiosk and partnership marketing opportunities; staff noted a goal to build an operational budget of at least $250,000 by July 2028 through diversified revenue including partnership fees and grants. Wake also said Crosscurrent developed a five‑year operational funding strategy and that some members have begun modest revenue programs (for example, Baumann Farms added a $0.25 tourism fee to tickets that routes funds to the collaborative).

Councilors raised questions about who could levy lodging taxes and how lodging tax revenue might be shared; staff explained any lodging tax changes would require separate processes with Marion County and the individual city councils. Councilor Simon disclosed a potential conflict as president of the Hot Festival and did not object to the IGA because it requires no current funding commitment.

Mayor moved adoption of a resolution authorizing the city to join the collaborative (resolution read in the record as 8392026). The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Staff said signing the IGA does not bind the city to future funding; any contribution would be a separate budget decision.