Tourism director defends spending, calls "slush fund" accusation inaccurate; commissioners pass tourism budget

Bob Mazzi, the county’s tourism treasurer, reviewed innkeeper‑tax revenue (5% rate) and a multi‑year revenue profile showing elevated receipts during the Taylor Swift and eclipse years. He explained the tourism office holds operating reserves (aimed at 12–18 months) and that 70% of innkeeper receipts are distributed monthly to a not‑for‑profit that runs tourism programs. He also described several capital grants paid to the fairgrounds over recent years (paved parking, restroom upgrades, Pioneer Building floor) and explained why operating reserves and a cautious revenue forecast led to a smaller grant budget in 2027.

Mazzi objected to public suggestions that tourism operates as a "slush fund," calling the phrase inaccurate and noting all grants require invoices and reporting. "Tourism in the paper and in this meeting has been called a slush fund," he told commissioners; "Don't make statements like that unless you can back it up." After discussion about line items (cell-phone/IT costs and grant accounting), commissioners voted to approve the tourism budget as presented.