The Alva Tourism Committee meeting Wednesday was very brief although there were two requests for funding on the agenda. Chairman Norville Ritter opened the meeting with members Connor Martin, Terri Parsons, Dr. Charles Tucker and Melinda Barton present.
Financial reports for July and August were approved. The balance of tourism tax available for funding requests is $419,164.06.
Alva Chamber Executive Director Jodie Bradford requested an increase in the amount provided for the Chamber and staffing the Northwest Oklahoma Visitors Center on Oklahoma Boulevard. Since 2011, tourism tax has paid $500 per month toward the staffing of the visitors center. Bradford asked for $750 per month or $9,000 annually.
Tucker immediately made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Barton, and approved unanimously.
Next up was rodeo coach Stockton Graves who requested $15,000 for the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Ranger Rodeo. The event is scheduled for Oct. 28-30 at the Woods County Fairgrounds. Last year, the rodeo was held without fans. This year everything is back to normal “as far as we know,” said Graves.
This will be the fourth rodeo of the fall in the Central Plains Region. There were 650 entrants in the first rodeo at Colby, Kansas, and Graves believes the Ranger Rodeo will be bigger. He expects 1800 to 2500 people including entrants and their families.
The rodeo budget shows expected revenue of $61,680 including gate money, ad sales and entry fees. The $15,000 requested would pay for the stock contractor. Any excess money will go toward prizes and payouts to contestants.
Looking at $2,170 for judges, Tucker asked how many there would be. Graves said two, but they begin work Thursday night and cover all events through Friday and Saturday.
Tucker made a motion, seconded by Martin, to approve the $15,000 request from tourism tax. The motion carried unanimously.
No executive session was held since neither the city business manager nor the mayor was present.
Ritter asked Tucker for any news on the Alva Arena Authority, but he had no updates. A discussion ensued about the high cost of steel which is affecting progress on the arena.
A video of the meeting may be seen at http://www.AlvaReviewCourier.com.
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