Commission approves hotel/motel fund projects and splash pad funding; commissioners question appropriateness

Hamilton County commissioners approved two related actions on Jan. 21, 2026, directing hotel/motel fund dollars to local projects and approving $350,000 for splash‑pad equipment at the John A. Patton Community Center.

Resolution 1 26‑22 authorized up to $750,000 from the hotel/motel fund for three named projects: an airport air‑recruitment initiative (funded through the Chamber Foundation), a downtown retail recruitment program administered by River City Company, and a splash pad in Lookout Valley. Commissioner Graham moved the item and Commissioner Shipley seconded it. Commissioners asked for specifics on project selection; the mayor and staff responded that state statute limits hotel/motel funds to tourism‑related expenses and that the projects were prioritized to serve tourism interests while benefitting local residents. The mayor cited past investments — for example, $700,000 for Harrison Ballfields — that generated tournament activity and local economic benefit.

Separately, Resolution 1 26‑23 approved up to $350,000 for splash‑pad equipment for the John A. Patton Community Center (Parks & Recreation). Commissioners asked whether a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city is in place for the site; staff said proposed language is in place and the city had been contacted to confirm the MOU. Finance staff confirmed that hotel/motel spending reports had been submitted to and approved by the comptroller.

Commissioner Sharp expressed reservations about using hotel/motel dollars for the projects and sought clarity on eligibility and prior approvals; after discussion, both resolutions passed on roll calls with unanimous support. Staff noted that hotel/motel receipts in Lookout Valley were estimated at about $1.7 million annually across city and county hotels, a factor cited in justifying local investment in tourism‑adjacent infrastructure.