Council approves $33,550 for Alpha Bull Battle; reviews finance update and opens city manager applications

The Alva City Council approved $33,550 in event funding for the Alpha Bull Battle and heard updates on the city’s finances and staffing at its meeting.

Justin Doughty, representing the Western Sports Committee and Alpha Bull Battle, told the council the event is planning for April 2026 and is moving into a new building. "We are requesting $33,550 to take care of our contracted labor like we've done in the past in our video board and, facility lease for the new building," Doughty said.

The council also discussed event costs. Doughty said much of the increase from prior years was tied to a higher facility lease; the request is about $2,550–$3,000 above recent funding levels, which members noted had been about $31,000 in previous years. Doughty said the organizers have reserved dates at the fairgrounds as a backup and that communications with the venue (including contacts Todd and Mike Hood) are ongoing.

The council voted to approve the full request. The motion passed with unanimous affirmative votes (tally: yes 4, no 0). The vote cleared funding for contracted labor, the event’s planned digital video board, and the facility lease as described in the presentation.

Earlier in the meeting, a city staff member identified as Melinda reviewed the financial report. She said sales tax for October was higher than the same month last year but slightly lower than the previous month. Melinda said an audit adjustment temporarily affected interest on the income statement: "There is an audit adjustment ... so as we earn interest it will go back to positive," she said.

Administrative items and announcements included a staff reminder that the application window for city manager is open and will close Nov. 15; a staff message said an appointment of a city appointee named Joel is expected at the next council meeting. The council also reviewed proposed tourism logo options for future use by event organizers and sponsors but took no action on logos at this meeting.

Members briefly discussed a previously pledged $150,000 toward an events center and asked staff to locate the related contract or resolution. A staff member said the funds appear to be held in a certificate of deposit tied to the events account and that she would follow up with the city manager’s office and provide documentation to the board.

Votes at a glance
- Approve minutes of the Sept. 17 meeting — approved (tally: yes 4, no 0).
- Approve $33,550 for Alpha Bull Battle (contracted labor, video board, facility lease) — approved (tally: yes 4, no 0).

The council adjourned after routine business and announcements. No future meeting date was specified on the record.