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Gallup council revises Lodger's Tax awards, boosts some grants amid committee concerns
Summary
Council debated Lodger's Tax reserve policy and several grant awards, approving a $40,000 award for the Gallup Inter‑Tribal Ceremonial (up from $30,000 recommendation), $34,000 for Lion's Club events, $5,000 for the Soundwave Festival after separate votes, and $40,000 for Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding among other awards.
The Gallup City Council spent considerable time May 12 discussing Lodger's Tax policy, reserve use and multiple grant recommendations from the Lodger's Tax Committee.
Marketing and Tourism Manager Matt Robinson reviewed the committee’s recommendations and applicants' requests. Mayor Marc DePauli noted the grant ceiling and proposed raising the Inter‑Tribal Ceremonial award to the maximum allowed. "The maximum award amount of $40,000 or 25% of the total anticipated revenue," Mayor DePauli said while explaining the grant-size criteria. Councilors expressed concern about deviating from the volunteer committee's recommendations but approved a mix of awards after debate: $40,000 to the 104th Gallup Inter‑Tribal Ceremonial, $34,000 to Lion's Club events ($30,000 rodeo / $4,000 downtown), $3,150 to the Route 66 Desert Challenge, $19,300 to TDFL, $3,600 to Arenacross & Mud Bog Show, $3,150 to Route 66 Roping, $5,000 to the Soundwave Festival (after failed motion for a higher amount), and $40,000 to Wild Thing Championship Bull Riding.
Councilors said they wanted to preserve the committee process while balancing solvency concerns and the new program guidelines. Several motions were made and revised on the floor; some votes split along lines when councilors sought to limit increases above committee recommendations.
