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Ross Ragland Theater asks county to consider sponsorship after lodging‑tax plan met hotel opposition
Summary
Ross Ragland Theater representatives outlined a plan to stabilize operations—proposing a 1–2 percentage‑point increase in transient lodging tax but reporting strong opposition from local hoteliers—and pitched county sponsorship and partnership alternatives to boost earned revenue and regional visitation.
Paul Stewart, chairman of the Ross Ragland Theater board, told the board the theater has an unstable business model and has considered raising the transient lodging tax to shore up operations.
"We're at 8% right now... an increase of 1 to 2% is probably gonna be adequate," Stewart said, describing the proposal as a way to avoid placing the burden on local property owners. He said a 10% cap would still leave the county with lower lodging taxes than some nearby cities. Stewart said local hoteliers have indicated they plan to oppose the initiative and may spend extensively to defeat it, and the theater lacks the resources to match such a campaign.
Fran Marce (identified in the transcript as executive director of ROSRACLEG), who followed Stewart, outlined a strategy focused on partnerships, sponsorship packages, and higher‑profile bookings—including regional acts and military‑themed events—to increase earned revenue without a tax measure. "I am not asking for handouts, but to support and maybe sponsor and be a part of CAFE, which is our opening season," Marce said, urging collaboration between the theater, tourism fund, hoteliers and regional partners.
The board discussed alternatives including pursuing an arts and cultural district, partnering with the local museum on a small property‑tax initiative, or delaying any tax campaign until the spring to allow more time for outreach. Commissioners emphasized urgency for the theater's cash flow but differed on timing and approach. No formal funding commitment or vote on a tax measure was taken; the board discussed sponsorship and potential future agenda consideration of funding options.
Next steps: the board encouraged continued conversations between theater leadership, tourism staff, hoteliers and other regional partners. The theater will explore partnership and sponsorship options rather than immediately pursuing a ballot measure.
