TDA reports steady revenues and pushes forward with $13,000-per-sign wayfinding project

Steve Mason, director of the county Tourism Development Authority, told the Alleghany County Board on Feb. 16 that second-quarter TDA revenue was roughly $66,182.07, up from about $62,950.39 in the comparable period last year. Mason said auditors had reclassified $20,687 into the prior fiscal cycle, which shifted how revenue appears by month, and that obligated expenses currently total roughly $76,000 with $175,000 set aside for long-range planning.

Mason presented an updated financial report format that he said county staff member April will roll out next quarter to make expenditures, obligations and available funds clearer. "It will be a lot clearer than what you see in some cases in this environment," Mason said.

The TDA also sought approval to proceed with a proposed wayfinding signage contract with vendor Right Light. Mason said the project will be built in phases; phase one focuses on signs inside the town limits, identifying major town assets such as the fairgrounds, library and parks. Per-sign costs, which Mason described as including design, engineering and installation, are about $13,000 each "give or take." Mason said the TDA has earmarked $50,000 for the project, the county manager will include $40,000 in this fiscal year’s budget proposal, and the TDA has asked the town for an additional contribution (Mason estimated the town conversation was for about $30,000).

Board members pressed on schedule and vendor timing. Mason said the TDA hopes to begin work in late spring or early summer and that signs could be installed within two to three months once production begins. Asked whether signs could be in place by the July 4 holiday, Mason said that would depend on the vendor’s queue and how quickly the county finalizes funding and the contract.

The board did not adopt a separate formal motion specifically for the signage at the Feb. 16 meeting; Mason said staff will bring funding details back to the board during the next budget cycle so the board can finalize appropriations and scope. The county will present the refined financial report next quarter, which Mason said will show obligations and the available balance more clearly.