Bright’s numbers portray a bright season

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The City Advertising and Promotion Commission met in the Auditorium last Wednesday and all commissioners were present with the exception of Terry McClung and Debbie Reay. 

CAPC Executive Director Lacey Ekberg is working with Finance Director Rick Bright to complete the 2020 budget for submission to commissioners by or before November. Bright said that staff is requesting an increase of an additional $25,000 for events in the parks and auditorium for a total of $225,000. 

Commissioner Susan Harman said she would like to see a revenue generating model to compensate for the staff’s additional budget request. Ekberg asked about the legality of Harman’s request, as a government tax collection agency does not generally produce direct income sales in addition to its tax collections, “Are we allowed to actually make outside revenue?” 

Bright said yes, it is allowed, however commissioner James DeVito reminded commissioners that generating agency-income is not the goal of the CAPC. If the commission chooses to focus on outside revenue DeVito said, “We would have to change our direction as a commission.” DeVito said that events like Music in the Park were not setup as a revenue generator. 

Chair Carol Wright was also not in agreement with the revenue generators at special events saying, “They are generally a lot more work than the money you’d receive.” Wright advised that staff needs to maintain focus on core objectives and grants. 

Commissioner Bobbie Foster applauded the quality events that are happening and said Auditorium concessions sales could be expanded. Harman insisted on more discussion and consideration to revenue models, as well as adding a $20,000 expense line item for Christmas decorations. 

While special event expenses were not ironed out for 2020, media expenses were approved at 43 percent of the $1.59 million budget which is an expense of $685,364. More budget talks are planned for the CAPC workshop scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. in the Auditorium. 

Collections are healthy

September 2019 tax income was reported by Bright, who reminded commissioners that this reflects August revenue. He said that compared to the same month last year, taxes received by restaurants were up by 13.5 percent and lodging was up by 10.1 percent. Overall year-to-date tax collections are up by 2.5 percent.

The next regular CAPC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium.