The Crookston Visitors Bureau (CVB) met Thursday morning at the Crookston Inn and approved the budget 2024.
The CVB looks to have just shy of $60,000 in total expenditures, which is $2,600 less than last year’s expenditures of $62,600. Chairman of the CVB, Bob Magsam, said there weren’t many changes, and the budget looks to be standard in 2024.
“We’re pretty much flat-lined compared to last year moving into 2024,” said Magsam, “There was some shuffling of line items. For example, in 2023, we had a large number delegated for advertising and marketing on television, which we utilized a lot of working with KBLY. That line item has since dropped down.”
The budget expenditures include the CVB’s allocation of $25,000 for advertisement through KVLY, KROX, and iNewZ. It also provides for the disbursement of the Marketing Grant Fund, which local entities can apply for; the CVB has $12,000 allocated toward that fund.
The most significant change that will take place in the budget for CVB will be the purchase of the Community Voice App. The Community Voice App serves as a community bulletin board and allows people from outside the city to see events scheduled within Crookston. The CVB wants to purchase this app for $10,000 (one-time payment), including the annual keep-up fee of $2,500.
The CVB savings account has seen growth within the last year due to the lodging tax increase within the city the CVB receives. The financial report shows the CVB currently has $91,120.26 in the savings account and $28,166.57 in the checking account. Magsam reiterated to the board that this money is meant to be spent to better the community.
“Our lodging tax dollars have been increasing, which is a good thing for our community,” said Magsam, “With that, our account balances are also increasing; the CVB’s job is to do diligence for the community and utilizing those lodging tax dollars for the right reasons. The board believes we’re not a bank and shouldn’t be sitting on a lot of money. Heading into 2024, we want to work with more city entities, get more aggressive spending these dollars within the marketing world, and spend these dollars for the betterment of our community.”
The final item on the agenda was regarding the board positions of CVB members. Current board member and Drafts Sports Bar & Grill owner Brent Melsa hinted that he may resign from his board position. The CVB will now search local businesses to find a candidate to fill the vacant position. Once the board considers the candidate they see fit, the recommendation will be brought to the city council for approval.
The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the November CVB meeting, which did not have a quorum. It also included approving bills and disbursements in the amount of $2,464.50. The next CVB meeting will occur on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
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