Hope Tourism Commission meeting

HOPE – Hope Tourism Commission covered many topics during their December meeting. Due to a lack of members present the 2026 budget was the only item voted on. It was approved.

The other topics of business were the CJRW marketing proposal, a request from Hope Public Schools for sponsorship of the video scoreboard, the Chamber of Commerce contract renewal, the 2026 Watermelon Festival, a quote for fixing the roof of the Cairo Fulton Depot (Arts Council Building), Concession Stand Lease agreements and Commissioner’s Term Expiration.

CJRW asked for a little over $8,625 from the commission for a joint purchasing cooperative shared with Arkansas Great Southwest.

Dr. Crossley talked about the benefits to the Commission of sponsorship of the scoreboard and asked for a $100,000 pledge. The scoreboard would be a living classroom, a hub for celebration and unity. Uses would include games, band performances, graduations, city wide celebrations and cultural gatherings. It would create major media visibility and add community goodwill and would be available to the city for exclusive use with the sponsorship. It would be a long-term presence in community life and give unmatched visibility and recognition.

The Chamber contract has been renewed since 2018 without revisions. Revision of the contract was discussed as the community has grown. A revision of the current agreement was offered as well as an expanded option. The Modernized Core version would cost $25,000 and the expanded partnership $30,000.

Christi Burns was there to discuss the 2026 Watermelon Festival. In the budget the funding for the festival has been raised from $15,000 to $25,000.

For fixing the Cairo Fulton Depot replacement of the roof with either the original wood slate shingles or architectural shingles was discussed during the previous meeting with the decision to get more bids for the architectural ones. There was a recommendation to go with the lowest bid of $18,000 from Barton Roofing and Construction.

For concession stand lease agreements there was discussion whether or not to renew the lease. With the work on the new Recreational Center the use of Kelly Field is expected to decline temporarily. Edmundo Dominguez pays $150 annually for the soccer field and Arnetta Bradford pays $500 annually for Kelly Field.

Milko Smith stated that he wanted to continue as a commissioner and was approved for another term.

There will be a Governor’s Conference in February in Little Rock. The Christmas wreaths will be worked on by Michelle Hunt and Jana Fisher.

The meeting adjourned.