GARNETT — The city of Garnett recently turned down a request by the Garnett Church of the Nazarene for tourism-tax dollars to promote a Christian play next spring. City manager Joyce Martin said the city’s attorney noted that because of laws and court decisions concerning the separation of church and state, funding a play that actively teaches a religious doctrine would be illegal. Because all of the motels are in Garnett, the city administers a special fund from a special tourism tax on each bed stay. The fund is used to promote and support tourism activities in the county and Garnett. In normal years, the tax generates $13,000 each year but because of the poor economy, the tax will generate a little more than $10,000 this year, she said.
