Marshall Tourism Commission approves request for funds

Board member Shelly Arth was present to make the request. She said the funds will be used to complete drainage tiling work being done at the fairground.

In February, during the annual distribution of tourism tax revenues, the tourism committee gave the fair board money toward this project.

"The $1,900 that you have given us for the lower arena project has been utilized," Arth said. "We still need another $3,000 to get it completely right."

Arth said the fair board has received a personal gift of $1,000, which is why only $2,000 was requested from the commission.

Commission members approved Arth's request, pending written documentation of the cost of the project.

In other business, Treasurer Gracie Bouws reported that the tourism tax has brought in about $40,000 in the first two quarters of 2009.

But "still, some hotels have not paid," she said.

Commission members also set dates for application process for tourism funds for 2010. Applications are available Friday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sept. 25. Applicants must turn in paperwork to the city offices by Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Besides Bouws, commission members Amy Crump, Gary Grote and Bob Keck were present at the meeting.

The tourism commission's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room at the city office building.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net