On November 3rd, Christiansburg Town Council formalized what it had discussed during the 2008-2009 budget process.
As recently reported, the town's contribution to a regional tourism development initiative will be reduced because "Councilman Michael Barber, who brought forth the motion to implement the cap, said the chamber has been doing its job, but the town would like to have money to promote its interests."
Factually correct, without asking why town efforts were not previously made. Or asking why council's appointed liaison to the chamber was dropped due to non-attendance and why regular updates from the TDC are not provided to council, even through a staff member was assigned to yet another liaison role.
Omitted was that Councilman Jim VanHoosier stated he'd like to see a plan outlining how the town would use these additional funds, and was told a "listing of what the town has promoted in the past" might be provided. This appears to indicate nothing beyond "having money" has been thought through. Also omitted was that the motion had to be amended, when Councilman Ernie Wade restated the expectation these withheld funds would only be used to market Christiansburg, rather than being mixed in with existing allocations. Most would interpret this to mean tourism development expenses will be separate and distinct from normal advertising for recreational programs already supported through the town's budget.
Never mentioned was the obvious: The town increased its general budget an additional "$125,000 to $150,000" a year, apparently without allocating any funds to tourism or economic development efforts. Council could have invested in its own marketing program to promote "its interests" with those funds. Why do so now, and why this way?
After three and a half years, the extra 1% tax council added represents nearly $600,000 -- over and above what it disbursed to the TDC. Perhaps some of those funds will show up as items included in "the list" referenced by the Mayor, or as additions to previous allocations made to departmental budgets. Meanwhile, other cultural or community funding stayed flat or experienced decreases.
Residents and business should be watching all occupancy tax revenues closely, from what is said or decided at council meetings and in actions taken by town administrators, as well as the TDC. For that matter, all town revenues and expenses should be transparent, allowing easy scrutiny.
Scan the web, radio, television and local or regional printed materials to assess what has been, or will be, marketed by the town or the TDC. How is the town being presented? How is the region being promoted? Does it encourage investment and growth, and portray our Christiansburg in a professional and progressive manner? The town's "interests" should include attracting new investment, retaining and growing the tax base, and marketing more than just basic services.