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Winston council extends chamber contract but cuts monthly allocation to $500
Summary
Council voted to extend a one-year contract with the Winston Area Chamber of Commerce for use of transient room tax funds, agreeing to a $500-per-month allocation after hearing chamber representatives describe membership growth and service activities.
The Winston City Council approved a one-year extension to the city’s agreement with the Winston Area Chamber of Commerce, authorizing the city manager to enter the extension and allocating $500 per month from the transient room tax discretionary funds.
City staff explained that the transient room tax split changed to a 60% discretionary / 40% nondiscretionary allocation and that revenue fell after the loss of a local hotel; staff recommended extending the contract but left the exact monthly allocation to council discretion. The staff presentation noted the contract historically provided $1,000 per month but that the city’s current hotel tax revenue will not support that level.
Chamber representatives Teresa DeWalt and Shannon Nelson described organizational progress: they reported more than 40 members, a paid executive director for the first year, a functioning website and newsletter, local events and sponsorships, and active efforts to recruit members and pursue grants. They asked for $500 per month and outlined planned activities, including events, member services, and coordination with regional hubs.
Council members said they appreciated the chamber’s work but cited budget constraints. One councilor moved to allocate $500 a month and to extend the contract for a year; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: the city manager will finalize the one-year extension agreement with the chamber and implement monthly disbursements as budgeted.
