ITEM TITLE: Consider approving an amendment to an Agreement between the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lawton, increasing funding by $100,042 for activities designed to encourage, promote and foster tourism, including elements of economic development related thereto in the City of Lawton, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
INITIATOR: Michael Cleghorn, City Manager
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Michael Cleghorn, City Manager
BACKGROUND: On July 28, 2020, the Lawton Chamber of Commerce, Inc., sought to obtain funding from the Hotel/Motel Tax that would enable them to continue their efforts to encourage, promote and foster tourism, including elements of economic development related thereto in the City of Lawton. In FY 2019-2020, the Chamber received $527,000.00, however, for FY 2020-2021, recognizing the potential impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on tax collections, the Chamber reduced their request to $270,000.00. The Council approved an agreement for the requested amount. As stated in the July 28, 2020 agenda item, the Chamber's hope was that the Council would consider an amendment to said agreement if Hotel/Motel tax receipts were greater than anticipated. The Finance Department reports that Hotel/Motel tax collections have been greater than the amount budgeted, therefore, the Chamber is seeking to amend the original agreement to increase funding by $100,042.00, or from $270,000.00 to $370,042.00. The revised budget submitted by the Chamber indicates that the additional funding will be used for additional purchases, advertising and marketing, and a legislative reception, amongst other items. If approved, the amendment requires the Chamber to continue to comply with all of the original detailed listings of services to be performed and performance measures required in the original agreement. Additionally, all revenue appropriated to the Chamber but not expended before June 30th, 2021, shall be deposited into th...
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