Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The Tucumcari Lodgers Tax Advisory Board heard four requests for funds but tabled decisions on them until they could get more solid numbers on the fiscal-year 2024 budget from the city manager.
The board during its regular meeting Wednesday looked over applications for $3,873 for Rattler Reunion, $10,500 for Wheels on Fire 100 bicycle race, $4,000 for a charity golf tournament for the Mesalands Community College Foundation and $115,000 for Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course for new equipment.
Addressing fiscal concerns from board Chairman Matt Bednorz, city manager Paula Chacon said she would have better data on the FY2024 budget later this month. The board set a special meeting for 10 a.m. May 17 to make recommendations on the fund requests.
Though board members said they were comfortable with Rattler Reunion’s funding request and its demonstrated ability to put “heads in beds” in the city’s motels, they were dismayed its organizers had not made a presentation and were months late with 2022’s post-event report.
“Why should we step up to the plate when they don’t show up?” Bednorz said.
Jerry Lopez, speaking during public comments later in the meeting said Rattler Reunion organizers all are volunteers and have day jobs. He also said all businesses in Tucumcari benefit from the event.
“”Keep that in mind, so please don’t rule them out,” he said.
Bednorz also blanched at Wheels on Fire’s funding request for the Sept. 9 event, noting the previous requests were in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.
“It’s a great event; we should fund it,” he said. “But the amount concerns me.”
Scott Crotzer of the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event since it took a hiatus after 2019, pointed out the costs of T-shirts — a major expense — has doubled.
He also said the event “needs a kick-start” after it was canceled for three straight years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Board members Al Patel and Michael Carlson said they were comfortable with Crotzer’s request.
“It is, for all intents and purposes, starting over,” Carlson said. “It’s an event that died.”
Charlie Maciel, professional at the golf course, said the tournament on July 29-31 would benefit the Mesalands Foundation, which will begin functioning again after it went dormant during the pandemic and the college’s financial troubles.
Maciel pointed out the tournament would be the week before the Rattler Reunion, giving people incentive to stay longer in Tucumcari.
Maciel said the request for funding new mowing equipment would improve the golf course’s aesthetics. He said the current equipment, which he estimated to be 35 to 40 years old, is not repairable because parts no longer are available. He also said use of the course has risen in recent years both with senior citizens and young people.
While Carlson said the golf course is “very much a draw for a lot of people,” Bednorz asked whether a loan or city funds could be used for Maciel’s request. He said only about $324,000 remains in lodgers tax executive funds.
Maciel proposed using a golf-cart fund to cover half the cost of the equipment. He said he also might use a state purchasing cooperative to help cut the cost, as well.
In other business:
— Patel said a lease on a billboard on East Tucumcari Boulevard near First Street has been offered for $4,000 annually for three years. He said part of the billboard could be useful in promoting events in the city.
— Patel asked about the storage and usage of video footage from a Carlos Medina travelogue and other events.
“When we paid for something, and it’s not being used, it’s a waste of money,” he said.
— Chacon said motel tax revenue totaled over $78,000 in April, which was the highest since January. Noting that May and June numbers usually are high, “hopefully that trend will continue.”