Board selects finalists for hotel/motel

By Tracy Runneberg

Daily Freeman-Journal Staff Writer

The Webster City Hotel/Motel Tax Board selected six top presentation for hotel/motel tax grants when they met Wednesday.

After much discussion, and points were added up for each proposal, the top six were finalized, and those groups and organizations will be invited to present 10-minute presentations to the board and the public on Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be televised, so those at home may also tune in. The board will also have an opportunity for a five-minute question/answer session after each presentation.

The top six presentations were:

•The Main Street Garden, by the Webster City PRIDE Group;

•The Community Marketing Plan, by Webster City Area Development and Hamilton County SEED;

•Welcome to Webster City Sign by the Take Pride in WC Committee;

•Wilson Brewer Park Information Center, by Webster City Historical Committee;

•Trail Enhancements by Webster City and the Hamilton County Conservation Board.

•Hamilton County Fair grandstand.

Also submitting proposals were: a Kendall Young Park Trail Study, Raspberry Festival Fireworks, Broadway Junior Musical; and Briggs Woods Golf Course sign.

Chairman Doug Getter noted that new legislation may increase some funds through the Vision Iowa program for River Development, and funds have been appropriated for building restoration, if the Governor signs them. These additional funds, if approved, could be used by those who may not qualify under the hotel/motel tax.

The board discussed each proposal as a group, explaining what they liked or disliked about the proposals. Many of the board members agreed that some modifications would need to be made to the application process.

Getter reminded the board that they are only making recommendations to the city council, and will not be the final say as to how the funds will be distributed.