Council reviews recommendations to allocate $50,000 in hotel/motel grants; two applicants receive no funding

Brian presented the recommended awards from Marion’s FY27 hotel/motel grant program. The FY27 budgeted amount for hotel/motel grants is $50,000; the review committee received 10 applications requesting roughly $114,000–$134,000 in total.

A five‑member review committee (two staff members, two residents and a council representative) scored applications and recommended a distribution that fits the available $50,000. Brian summarized the committee’s emphasis on sustainability, clear budgets and reach when choosing awards. He said some applicants provided detailed budgets and multiple revenue sources, which scored better in the committee’s process.

Brian and a committee member explained why two applicants were recommended to receive no funds: the Indian Creek Nature Center Barn Farm project had a very limited event reach (about 50 people) and thus scored low on impact, while the Infernal Soccer Club submission lacked venue agreements and a complete budget and appeared premature relative to the program’s intent.

Why it matters: The hotel/motel fund supports local nonprofit events and visitor‑oriented programs; allocations decide which community events receive seed funding and which do not.

What’s next: Council will consider the recommended allocations on the June 18 consent agenda and staff will communicate feedback to applicants.