Lodging tax receipts up substantially for June

At the July Travel and Tourism board meeting held at the Hot Springs County Museum, Treasurer Audra Dominguez gave the financial report. She said that their record-breaking months have continued for three months in a row. Hot Springs County is busier than ever, with their numbers only 1% below the average of their fiscal year. In June 2020/21 they had $16,599.81 in lodging tax. This amount is $14,484.81 more than 2019/20, which suffered from the Covid decline. That is a 685% increase. However, in June 2018 their lodging tax revenue was $9,9624.95. But this June’s revenue is still higher. The average for June is $8,207.28.

The total receipts for June are $17,189.01. This includes the $16,599.81 in lodging tax, $5.20 of interest, $540 of co-op advertising and $44.00 in refunds. The total receipts for 12 months ending June 30, 2021 is $181,149.82.

Tourism Director Jackie Dorothy reported that Agri-Tourism has arrived in Hot Springs County. SonRise Grass Creek Range has recently opened their doors on Nate Brown’s old homestead. This historic ranch will be offering farm grown meals and is promoting agriculture tourism. Locals will also be able to make reservations to eat meals at their ranch house on Grass Creek.

Dorothy also reported their new e-newsletter will be officially launched next Thursday. They will also be launching a video a week and begin building their YouTube channel in earnest. To find their channel search “Hot Springs Thermopolis.” Their goal is to have 100 members by the end of August.

Dorothy added that there are upcoming events for Thermopolis that include the Wyoming Discovery Days and the Outlaw Event at the county museum.

In new business, Dorothy said they are revisiting their vouchers and decided to continue to use them. The board also held the 2021-22 Budget Hearing and voted and passed to accept their budget to present to the State of Wyoming. The only thing different about it compared to their previous one was that they did not have to include their deficit. 

Dorothy also reported that a representative of the Star Plunge is not available to apply and participate on the tourism board. Therefore Dorothy asked the board to continue their search for the open spot that still needs to be filled. They are activity recruiting and have found many business members are already busy on other boards or working.

Tourism board member from Cody, Quintin Blair, presented to the board a variety of billboard samples. The board spent much time discussing the designs and potential needs of the billboards. They were deciding on which concept they are interested in. Ultimately, the conversation will continue later on. They may find a local photographer to take some images of the state park that would meet their design needs.