Colfax County Lodgers Tax Board approves funding for local events, denies late promotional request

The Colfax County Lodgers Tax Advisory Board on May 6 approved a series of event funding requests and denied one promotional application submitted after the board's 45‑day deadline.

At the meeting, Shelly Quartieri, a Lodgers Tax Advisory Board member who called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m., outlined a promotional request from Riding High Ministries for radio, posters and Facebook advertising for a free, three‑day community outreach event. Laurie Bunker, a Lodgers Tax Advisory Board member, moved to approve $8,930.00 for promotional funding; Michael Brown, a Lodgers Tax Advisory Board member, seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved $2,400.00 in non‑promotional funding to cover porta‑potties for the Riding High Ministries event (motion by Laurie Bunker, second by Michael Brown), again with a unanimous vote.

Nancy Burch, representing Roadrunner Tours, requested promotional funding for an event listed in the application as "Mayham on The Mountain" (open bull riding). Board members noted the application was submitted fewer than the required 45 days before the event. Shelly Quartieri moved to deny the application on that basis; Angel Campbell, a Lodgers Tax Advisory Board member, seconded and the board voted to deny the request. Laurie Bunker observed that Roadrunner Tours had previously received funds from Angel Fire Lodgers.

Tammy Lepp, representing TA Rodeo, requested funding for the Colfax County Open Rodeo. The board approved $10,570.00 in promotional funding (motion by Shelly Quartieri, second by Michael Brown) and later approved $4,200.00 in non‑promotional funding for the event (motion by Shelly Quartieri, second by Michael Brown). Both motions passed unanimously.

Tina Colangelo, a Lodgers Tax Advisory Board member, said Chairman Trujillo asked the board to add a clarification to the Lodger's Tax Funding Application. The board approved an amendment inserting the phrase "Excluding Colfax County Government website on/for tourism" under website construction/maintenance (motion by Shelly Quartieri, second by Laurie Bunker; unanimous).

The board recorded no public comments during the meeting. Members set the next meeting for June 3, 2024, and adjourned at 10:30 a.m. (motion to adjourn by Shelly Quartieri, second by Laurie Bunker).