Winston council extends Chamber contract for one year, approves $500‑a‑month allocation

Winston — The Winston City Council voted on July 20 to extend a one‑year contract with the Winston Area Chamber of Commerce and to allocate $500 per month from transient room tax funds to support chamber activities.

City staff described a change in the city’s transient room tax allocation rules and explained that 60% of receipts are now discretionary while 40% are nondiscretionary and must be used for tourism promotion. Staff said the city has reduced tourism revenue following the loss of one hotel and recommended continued support at an amount within budget constraints.

Teresa DeWalt and Shannon Nelson, representing the Winston Area Chamber of Commerce, told the council the chamber had grown to more than 40 members, established nonprofit status and a paid executive director, and had been active in local events and membership outreach. DeWalt said the chamber’s request was for $500 per month and described steps the organization has taken to professionalize operations.

A council member moved to extend the contract and allocate $500 per month; the council approved the extension and the funding allocation. Councilors noted budget limits and the city’s desire to support local business development while staying within available revenue.

The resolution (No. 26‑1233) authorizes the city manager to execute the first extension with the chamber and permits the use of transient room tax funds for tourism promotion under the clarified discretionary/nondiscretionary split. Chamber representatives thanked the council for the support and said they will continue membership drives, events and grant‑seeking to expand the chamber’s activities.

The council’s action was taken by voice vote at the meeting; the council did not provide a roll‑call tally with full names in the transcript for every member’s vote.