By John McLoone

The Prescott City Council Monday night approved a memorandum of understanding with the Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce, which will oversee a tourism committee and spending of room tax proceeds.

The city in 2016 established a room tax of 8 percent that was to be paid on gross receipts of lodging at motels and other rentals in the city.

“The city established this tax in 2016 in preparation for a potential hotel within the community. However, such development never occurred and as a result, these funds were never collected,” said City Administrator Matt Wolf.

Earlier this year, the city council reduced that tax rate to 6 percent. They also set up the tax so 30 percent of funds are retained by the city and 70 percent will go for tourism purposes. Staff then worked to negotiate with the Prescott Area Chamber to oversee a tourism committee.

The committee will be made up of seven board members, with the slate approved by the council this week: Megan Langer (hotel and motel industry representative), owner of Port of Prescott, Elizabeth Langer (city treasurer, appointed by Mayor Rob Daugherty), Chad Steger (chamber president) and four people from Prescott business community: Kimberly Braun of Lucille’s Restaurant, Mitch Wormington of Muddy Water’s Restaurant, Angie Miner of Aim Joy Boutique and Todd London, commercial property owner.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the chamber can charge 25 percent of the 70 percent collected for management, clerical and accounting for the tourism dollars. An annual report and budget for the tourism committee must be supplied to the city council for approval by Dec. 1 of each year.

The committee will elect officers and hold meetings at least quarterly each year.

Duties of the committee are to “establish a plan to market and promote the city for conventions and tourism.” The committee will work to prepare advertising information, such as a visitor’s guide, brochures and advertising campaigns. Initial funds will be used to establish a website to promote all tourism organizations within the city and the develop the tourism marketing guide.

Skate Park

The Prescott Skate Park will be dismantled because it’s in poor condition.

The skate park is located next to the city well house at 769 Dexter Street. The Prescott City Council voted at its meeting Monday to remove the park, acting upon a recommendation made by its Parks and Public Property Committee.

“The City of Prescott Skate Park located next to the well house at 769 Dexter Street is deteriorating and keeps experiencing issues of vandalism. Staff would like to discuss…. the option of removing the skate park and considering developing a future plan for the park at a later date,” said Wolf.

Staff provided pictures of vandalism at the park and photos of ramps where repair is necessary.