The City Advertising and Promotion Commission’s April 22 meeting had few items on the agenda with updates taking up most of the meeting.
In the Financial Report, the CAPC has $1,427,000 and with liabilities such as credit cards, marketing support liabilities, and ticket sales payable brings the equity down to just over $1,366,000. Year-to-date actual collections are at $335,000 with a budget of $297,000. Expenses for March were $168,000 with budget of $166,000 with YTD expenses $629,000 with a budget of $672,000. Finance Director Ty Reed also explained that net income in March was –$37,000 with a anticipated budget of –$49,000, with YTD net income –$252,000 with a budget of –$329,000 with equity infusions to cover shortfall.
Reed also went over past total collections comparing February’s $100,000 compared to last year’s $89,000. February lodging collections were $46,000 compared to last year’s $38,000 and the year before $48,000, while food and beverage in February was $54,000 compared to 2025’s $50,000 and 2024’s $56,000.
Regarding past due collectors, Tourism Director Mike Maloney noted that the CAPC is pursuing legal action for three businesses all owned by the same entity. Reed said for those “may require further action” and they are currently working on getting them caught up in tax remittance payments without legal action.
Maloney showed data on Short Term Rental revenue within city limits compared to greater Eureka Springs area revenue showing about a 2-to-1 ratio between the Eureka Springs area STR revenue compared to city limits. He also showed STR annual revenue trends and pacing for 2026, discussing other cities such as Branson, Rogers, and Hot Springs.
Maloney also went over the quarterly report from Madden Media saying that marketing efforts were corresponding with income, saying “what we’re putting in, we’re getting back.” Maloney spoke on activities with the CAPC such as Eureka Springs Music Awards, a staff meeting with the state Arkansas Heritage Parks and Tourism Board, Folk Festival is booked and Springtime in the Ozarks has more than 1600 people registered. Maloney also mentioned the May Festival of the Arts, Basin Park Music Series, the SEO Bootcamp on May 13 and Hospitality Training May 14. The SEO Bootcamp and Hospitality training is free.
Maloney expressed sadness over the passing of Bill Ott.
Other Items
- In public comments, Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith with the River Valley Film Society and Western District Play speaking on a film showcasing the Cate Brothers for Blues Weekend. He also spoke on the Western District Play he is working on which tells the fictional story of corrupt judges and marshals who steal money from the federal court system to start Eureka Springs. He explained he’ll be at the next meeting requesting marketing funding and the play will be brought to the Crescent Hotel.
- Heather Wilson-Vinson announced that this was her last CAPC meeting. This leaves two positions open on the CAPC, Position 1 and the At-Large seat.