Council leans to use FY26 tourism funds for PAC multipurpose room, keeps bike access as backup

City Manager Greer told the council the Convention and Visitors Bureau recommended four projects for tourism product development funds in fiscal year 2026: a visitor center, bicycle access points or rental facilities, public art and funding for a performing arts center multipurpose room. "The CDB has given you 4 recommendations for projects they think might be a great use of tourism product development funds in fiscal year 26," Greer said during the presentation.

Several council members said the bicycle access proposal supports health and wellness goals, but noted the city lacks the infrastructure for bike rentals and access points to be effective immediately. One council member observed that the roughly $178,000 figure discussed would not go far toward PAC construction. Staff clarified that FY26 tourism revenues will not be collected until Oct. 1 and that funding must be spent in the fiscal year it is received, so allocating money to construction documents for the PAC would be an appropriate near-term use: "Specifically to fiscal year 20 26 revenues you won't start collecting until October 1," Greer said.

After discussion, staff summarized council direction: prioritize the PAC multipurpose-room construction documents and, as a backup, prioritize bicycle access points. Greer said the choice could be finalized during the city's FY26 budget deliberations. The council did not take a formal vote on the item tonight and directed staff to carry the consensus forward into the budget process.