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Council keeps Chamber of Commerce funding at 2025 level after public appeals
Summary
The Gregory City Council voted unanimously Aug. 25 to keep the Gregory/Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s funding at the 2025 level after testimony from Economic Development representatives and local residents urging continued support.
Mayor Al Cerny opened a special meeting Aug. 25 to discuss the proposed 2026 budget and invited public input on community funding priorities. Rachelle Bloom, speaking for the Economic Development group, said the group "strongly feel the City of Gregory should continue to fully fund the Gregory/Dallas Chamber of Commerce." Chamber Director Jaimie Braun provided the council with a sheet of statistics and told councilmembers the Chamber’s account balance was $19,000, and that event revenues are used for future events and advertising.
Councilmember Laura Petersen moved to fund the Chamber at the same amount it received in 2025; Councilmember Ashley Lozano seconded the motion. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. Mayor Cerny said the city expects the Chamber to provide financial reports when it receives city funds and reiterated that city support can be revisited for special promotional projects.
Why it matters: Council funding for the Chamber supports local promotion and events that the Chamber runs; residents and business advocates told the council those activities help attract young families and support downtown vitality. The council’s vote preserves continuity in the short term while leaving open future adjustments tied to project requests or revised funding agreements.
What’s next: Mayor Cerny said formal budget readings begin Sept. 2, when the council will also discuss property tax and the mill levy.
