Chamber asks for funding; council opts for consultant

Cape Girardeau's Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to spend an estimated $650,000 in surplus motel and restaurant tax money to help develop attractions that would draw tourists to the city.

CVB and chamber of commerce officials say they don't have specific plans yet, but they want the council to allow the chamber-operated agency access to the money and use a small amount of the money to pay for a tourism study.

Chuck Martin, director of the CVB, said his office needs to look at what's needed to draw tourists.

But city council members turned down the overall funding request at Monday night's study session at city hall. Council members said they want more spending details first.

"We have to be fiscally responsible," said Councilwoman Evelyn Boardman.

The council said it would agree to spend $40,000 to $45,000 of the money for the CVB to hire a consultant to study how best to boost tourism.

John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, said he will make a formal request for funding for the study once a tentative agreement has been reached with the consultant.

"I have absolutely no problem in doing the study first," Mehner told the council.

Surplus tax revenue

Mehner said the surplus is tax revenue in excess of the amount needed to pay Show Me Center and park bonds and operate the CVB from year to year.

But Mayor Jay Knudtson said the council is in charge of spending tax dollars. "At the end of the day, it is our responsibility to make sure it goes to the right place," he said.

Mehner and city officials said the surplus tax dollars can only be spent on CVB and tourism efforts. The money can't go to pay for other city operations.

Mehner said the chamber and the CVB have proper spending procedures in place to see that the tax dollars would be used wisely.

City manager Michael Miller welcomed the study. He said the CVB needs to put a plan in place before it seeks to spend tax dollars on specific projects.

The chamber took over operation of the CVB from the city five months ago.

In addition to the surplus tax dollars, Mehner submitted a request to the council for a higher operating budget in the coming fiscal year.

The chamber wants $440,000 to operate the CVB for the new fiscal year which begins July 1, or $40,000 more than the current year's budget.

Council members said they'll review the budget request.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123