Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau Grant Requests

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah, November 6, 2013.  Melinda Hislop, Director of the Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau (BLCV), made suggestions to the County Commission dealing with county monies that will be spent on various projects this coming year. 

Melinda Hislop gave each of the Commissioners a report showing the current year’s expenditures and the suggested expenditures for the coming year.  Requests have been received from each of the towns in the County as well as various organizations.  Woodruff needs porta-potties during their town’s celebration.  Randolph would like to make some improvements in their city park.  Laketown is attempting to get more bleachers for their rodeo stadium, and Garden City wants to create more public parking facilities.  Other organizations such as the Sheriff’s Office, the Chamber of Commerce, have also asked for funds.

These funds must be used according to state requirements.  Commissioner Cox asked for some time to review the suggestions.  He felt, however, that most of the requests could be filled.

A Board has been organized to help evaluate and assist in approving the list to present to the Commissioners.  The members of this board are important and should be at all of the meetings because their input is needed.  Ray Elliott has been made the chairman of this board.

Commissioner Cox suggested that a letter be written and sent to all board members letting them know of the importance of their role.  The letter should also be sent to the various cities and organizations in the County reminding them of what can be requested .according to state requirements.

It was noted that the County needs to set up some plan of tracking short term rentals to make sure everyone is being treated fairly.  Garden City reports who pays the required room tax and restaurant tax.  The County needs to come up with a similar plan.

Commissioner Cox suggested that a video be made showing the public how the funds are used in the various towns.  This would allow people to see how these taxes help to improve their communities.