Tourism Company Warns about Budget Cuts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new proposal in the Hamilton County budget has the Chattanooga Tourism Company alarmed.
They say that in this year’s proposed Fiscal Budget, they are losing roughly two million dollars a year to fund their operation.
This is roughly 18% of their funding.
This funding comes from the county’s lodging tax.
However, the county is proposing to spend these funds instead on facility improvements at sites such as Camp Jordan.
The Tourism Company says they only found out about this funding reduction two weeks ago.
The President and CEO of the Tourism Company, Barry White, said, “We have several opportunities right now to invest in events like Ironman and others, but those are three year agreements. If we don’t know what our funding model is going to be in three years, we don’t have the assurance that we are going to have the funds to fulfill the obligations in those contracts, it would be irresponsible for us to enter any of those agreements.”
White warns that it is a possibility those events would not occur if funding is not kept.
Hamilton County Deputy Mayor Cory Gearrin sent News 12 the following statement:
“Hamilton County’s proposed budget demonstrates our community’s incredible commitment to driving economic growth and preserving our region’s rich legacy in tourism. With an historic level of allocation in local resources, Hamilton County affirms our support for tourism without cutting a single dollar from its previous robust investments. By prioritizing opportunities to invest in our local parks and recreation facilities, we can enhance our appeal to visitors and elevate the quality of life for our local families. This commitment is an investment in our future, ensuring Hamilton County remains an exceptional destination of opportunity and elevated living standards. We will continue this success in partnership with the City of Chattanooga in directing hotel/motel tax dollars towards improving local tourism related facilities and recreational assets while continuing to fund the work of the Chattanooga Visitors Bureau at historic levels, paving the way for continued success as a community.”
White said he hopes that the county and city will reach an agreement to share funding responsibilities for the Tourism Company.
The budget will be presented Wednesday morning at the Hamilton County Commission meeting.
