OTTAWA — Franklin County commissioners decided Wednesday to cut the convention and tourism budget to a little more than $171,000. Earlier, the commissioners told the convention board to make changes in their budget. However, commissioners decided to restore a $2,400 cut by the board at the request of county administrator Lisa Johnson. That $2,400 would be shared with area groups to help them promote their events such as the Power of the Past and the Ol’ Marais River Run car show. Money shared to promote area events is a worth-while investment, she said. The tourism budget is funded by a motel tax, and isn’t paid by county residents unless they stay at a local motel. The commissioners have said they’d like to use any surplus to fund some of the operations of the Franklin County Historical Society as a way to cut the property tax mill. However, tourism board members have said that motel tax receipt have fallen because of the economy. The county is proposing a budget that has a three-and-a-half mill increase. The public budget hearing will be Aug. 17.
Thursday, Aug. 8, 5 p.m.
