At Monday night’s meeting, Iola officials approved about $72,000 to be distributed among eight local organizations and celebrations for 2021.
The funds come from the 10% convention and tourism tax levied against local hotels and motels and short-stay accommodations.
See related story on Iola City Council’s discussion over the purchase of a new fire engine.
The Convention and Tourism Committee decides how the funds are to be disbursed. Beth Ann Turner, Roxanne Hutton, Carri Sailor, Dan Johnson and Lindsay Myers serve on the committee.
The allotments are:
Veterans Day Parade/Committee – $3,000;
Chamber of Commerce – $35,000;
Southwind Rail Trail maintenance – $1,500;
LeHigh Roots Festival – $3,000;
Community Involvement Task Force – $2,000;
Rotary Day in the Park BBQ Contest – $1,500;
The Iola Municipal Band – $6,500;
Insurance for the city’s trolley – $2,000, and the
Allen County Historical Society – $15,000-$20,000. (The society receives a set 25% of each year’s tourism tax)
COUNCIL members agreed to also fund Farm-City Days, which missed the deadline to apply for the funds.
