Lodging tax receipts see small decrease

At Tuesday’s meeting of Hot Springs Travel & Tourism, Director Amanda Moeller reported the lodging tax receipts were a bit gloomy, noting they were down nine percent compared to last year at this time — $15,796.18 compared to $17,376.97, though this fiscal year’s receipts are still better than the $14,582.17 seen at this time during the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Moeller presented a recent article that stated Sturgis vehicle counts were down 40 percent, which is a contributing factor to the lower receipts, but it was also noted during the meeting there seems to be less traffic in general. Another factor could also be the recent fires.

Also, with regard to the lodging tax, Moeller said the Political Action Committee (PAC) has set up visits with Thermopolis, East Thermopolis and the Town of Kirby. Chair Greg Willson, Moeller said, has expressed they have about 12 people active on the PAC on various committees. Additionally, members have been visiting with various town groups and committees.

Moeller also provided an update on the board bylaws, noting they have been submitted to County Attorney Jerry Williams as well as a copy of the joint powers agreement, for review. Some minor changes have been recommended, she said, and she plans to present all of the recommended changes to the board when they are finished.

Looking at a calendar of advertising for the next four weeks, Moeller said this year there is no budget to change any of the billboards. The calendar looks at the different types of advertising, including the boards, print, television and radio. There is a fall tourism summit scheduled for Sept. 21-23 at Jackson Hole, during which the state plan for advertising is reviewed.

During open discussion, Moeller congratulated Angie Guyon for being nominated a Wyoming Woman of Influence, noting it’s not only great for Guyon but for the community.

Board Chairman Carl Leyba raised the question of whether the Keys to the City would be done again this year. Through the event, any business that collects lodging tax distributes keys to visitors, which can then be used for discounts at Thermopolis businesses. Moeller said she wanted to make sure the board was for doing the program again, as letters are usually sent out in September and the event begins in November.

It was noted an issue from last year stemmed from employees getting keys as well as visitors, and businesses knowing they are local people. Many businesses that didn’t sign up for the program also stepped up and honored the discount, and Moeller looks forward to when the keys can be used anywhere in Thermopolis.