Hope Tourism Commission

The Hope Tourism Commission met in the City Hall Boardroom on Tuesday (4-9). After the call to order, the minutes, revenue and expenses were reviewed. Total revenue for March was $59,662.73. The total amount spent on the Eclipse was $31,621 with $6,000 of that amount for Marketing and $6,000 for Mae Estes. Glasses and “sound and lights” each cost over $3,000 and inflatables cost over $4,000.

City Manager JR Wilson covered tax information in public meetings.  Businesses that are behind in their tourist taxes will no longer be reported publicly.

There is one business that will be served in May. Wilson stated so far the city hasn’t had to go to court for delinquent taxes and that will happen should a business be told to close and continues to operate.  Mayor Don Still stated he liked the current system but it is being used too much and too much time is spent on it. He was wondered about adding teeth to it.  Wilson stated it might be possible to do the citations earlier and that holding on to taxes collected could be a criminal matter.

For the eclipse, the Chamber of Commerce and SWARK were thanked for their efforts. It was stated to be a good weekend despite not having the turnout they expected. The turnout was better than other places as Hot Springs and Little Rock had restaurants which didn’t open. There were visitors from Idaho, Canada, Wisconsin, Utah, California, Louisiana and Texas.  The concerts were excellent with all the work done and when power went out, the crews quickly dealt with it. Mae Estes was impressed by the food. Saturday night and Sunday had good turnouts.  Commissioner Trevor Coffee stated the Sunday night concert could have had more restrooms.

Summers Chambers gave an update on Train Day. There are 19 vendors signed up. There will be a magic show, face painting, inflatables, train rides, rock wall, bungee jump, clown with balloon animals. There also will be a kid’s box train race. Wyatt Pittman will perform.

For Public Comment Anna Powell raised the idea of having reminder texts sent to local residents about upcoming events. The issue of an electronic billboard was also mentioned. The location has yet to be decided.

The meeting adjourned.