Dickinson CVB Tax Use Discussed
|  Video
|
| Brian Howell |
| 11/16/2009 |
 |
| Convention and visitors bureaus are established to spur economic growth in cities and towns. The CVB has succeeded beyond expectations in Dickinson, so much so that the mayor says there should be enough money to use for other purposes. Dickinson Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Terri Thiel says she has seen historic economic growth in the past few years. With this growth, more money has come to the CVB. "We`re looking at expanding, doing expansions, especially with technology," said Thiel. The CVB receives funding from a tax on hotel rooms and drinks. In 2010, the CVB could net $100,000 under the current system. That could all change with a revised ordinance. Some city leaders are questioning the need to put all that extra money back into promoting the city. The mayor says the city has other needs that could use some funding as well. "Budgeting of public funds should be part of the political process. Politics is debating and deciding between competing spending choices and priorities in a public meeting," said Mayor Dennis Johnson. "This is difficult because the individuals involved with CVB Visitors committee, however we want to say it, are people who have been really loyal to this community and really made things happen in this community," said Commissioner Gene Jackson. One Dickinson resident came to the CVB`s defense and says the mayor is wrong. "I don`t know if he has any ideas of using that money in other areas of the city, but it needs to go to tourism and the development of bringing people to Dickinson," said Bernie Marsh. Thiel says he doesn`t have any hard feelings. "This commission has been very good for us, but its future commissions, future...whatever comes in the future for us, that we want to make sure that it`s just in the ordinance so it takes out any political arenas in the future," said Thiel. Commissioners will discuss the issue further at their next meeting. |
BACK TO NEWS | BACK TO REGIONAL STORIES
© 2009 KFYR-TV
Home | News | Weather | Sports | Webcast | Morning News | Programming | Primetime Rewind | Advertising & Sales | About Us
Community Connection | Movies | Contests & Promotions | Search | Links | Contact Us | Follow us on: Facebook and twitter
Sister Stations: KMOT in Minot, KQCD in Dickinson, KUMV in Williston
