Lodging Panel Sets 2014 Budget, Approves New Board Member

The Prowers Lodging Tax Panel added Vincent Gearhart to their board member roster during the monthly meeting, August 20.  Gearhart is filling a vacant position and the term will expire in December 2014.  Board members also approved the annual budget for 2014, which is a close parallel to 2013.  Funding is set at $82,968 and the monies are derived from the 2% lodging tax on all motels in Prowers County. 

The Panel distributed some funding for upcoming events for the fall season.  The board approved a $1,000 request from Ron Cook to help advertise the October 5 Toys for Tots motorcycle and car show for Lamar.  A poker run and various motorcycle games for enthusiasts are held during the Oktoberfest and all proceeds are used by the Toys for Tots group serving Prowers County.  Fred Sherwood, representing the LCC rodeo group, requested and received $7,200 for advertising expenses for the event which will be held October 4-6 in Lamar.  Traditionally, almost 400 students from Wyoming and Colorado compete in the annual contest, which may see as many as 100 motel rooms being used by contestants and judges.  Funds to host visitors from the Burlington Welcome Center, not to exceed $2,000 were also approved by the board.  The funding request was made by Judy Douglass, director of the Lamar Welcome Center.  The Burlington group is touring southeast Colorado, compiling tourist based information on the region.  The Lamar Welcome Center has hosted various state centers through past years.  The board tabled a decision on the type and size of tourist based information to be attached to the rear sides of two kiosks that were erected recently in Granada by the Canyons and Plains tourist organization.  The decision was made to let the Granada Trustees discuss and have the first option of choice with Canyons and Plains representatives. 

Gateway Kiosk in Granada

The payment of lodging tax funds from the state to the county was also discussed in a continuing process of determining how the quarterly funds are allocated.  Alamosa’s tourist panel, as well as some other communities has expressed their concerns over the current practice and the Prowers Panel has been discussing the best options of expressing their concerns to the state legislature.  It was felt that a more united front from other Colorado groups could make more of an impact in Denver.  

The next meeting for the Prowers Lodging Tax Panel is September 17 at 4pm at the PCDI office in the Cow Palace Inn.

By Russ Baldwin