Tourism committee adopts budget, authorizes payment of bills; fund balance use increased

The Tourism Committee on July 18 approved its budget and authorized payment of bills presented at the meeting. Staff distributed the budget worksheet and described revenue assumptions and planned fund-balance use; staff reported cash on hand of about $800,000.

According to the staff presentation, revenue was held at $315,000 and interest income was left unchanged; staff said they increased the planned use of fund balance to allow flexibility if a major motel or hotel remains closed or does not reopen. Amanda, presenting the budget, said the committee’s current cash on hand is “like, $800,000.”

Staff also presented bills for payment and reported four bills on the agenda including a payment to Starved Rock tied to a previous funding request. The presenter said the Starved Rock payment was $30,000. Staff reported a total bills amount during the meeting as “192,022 and 48¢” as transcribed; the committee approved payment of the bills by voice vote.

Committee member Stockley moved to approve the budget; Allie seconded. The committee approved the budget by voice vote with all present voting aye.

During budget discussion staff said that marketing line items include extra contingency funding to allow the committee to respond to last-minute opportunities. A finance follow-up item discussed during the meeting asked staff to solicit a top wish list of items from department heads for potential grant opportunities; staff said they will compile those lists for future grant planning.