Travel and Tourism reports another record month lodging tax deposit

At the Hot Springs County Travel & Tourism board meeting, Treasurer Audra Domingez gave the financial report and said their most recent lodging tax deposit was $19,121.83, which was another record month. This amount was a 33% increase in change from the previous year. The board held a discussion about carryover funds and how their accountant requested that they have a $10,000 cushion in their checking account in case there are unexpected issues. So far, during the fiscal year of 2023/24, they have collected $223,165.09 in lodging tax revenue. There are still two more months for collection to reach the end of the fiscal year. The board voted and passed the approval to have $7,864.00 deposited in their account. 

Jackie Dorothy gave the director’s report and said, “Our networking has paid off. The Wyoming Office of Tourism will be filming their second season of “Howdy Neighbor” and will be in Thermopolis on May 20. They will be white water rafting, enjoying pizza at P6 and coffee at Audra’s Copper Coo. The producer has heard great things about our town and is excited to come see it for herself. We met some of the team while at the Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality Conference.”

Regarding the resolutions for the ballot, Dorothy said, “All three municipalities have signed their resolutions and we are on the agenda for May 21 for the county. We then begin the process of putting the 2% lodging tax on the ballot and making our case to the voters via our Lodging Tax PAC.”

For their billboard designs, Dorothy said, “We have preliminary designs for the board to look at and start thinking of what our priorities are for the 2024-2025 season! We need continuity between our billboards and all our marketing.” 

In old business, regarding their digital sign project, Dorothy reported that the materials have been ordered and they are waiting for the power situation to be resolved. For their webmaster, board member Mike Sinclair gave an update as they are “moving forward” with changes and they need additional photographs.

Additionally, the board voted and passed the approval to enter into a contract with Lamar regarding a billboard in Shoshoni that was previously used by the Quality Inn. The board hopes to have an extended contract. 

In new business, the board voted and passed the approval to advertise for the tourism director and coordinator position. 

During the delegation and visitors portion of the meeting, Chamber CEO Meri Ann Dorman discussed the amount of funding for their summer staff which is paid for by the tourism board. The proposed amount is $5,000 and may be finalized later as the board completes their budgeting decisions. 

The next Travel & Tourism board meeting will be on Tuesday, June 18 at 1 p.m. at the Copper Coo.