CLEARFIELD – A budget was adopted by the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority for the 2018 fiscal year during Wednesday’s meeting.
Previously, the fiscal year ran from July 1 to June 30, but the board passed a resolution earlier this year, and also submitted paperwork with the state Department of Community and Economic Development to change the fiscal year to follow the calendar year, Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.
Anticipated operating revenues are projected at $635,370, which includes money from hotel tax revenues, advertising, interest and out-of-county partner fees.
Expenses total $612,640. These include marketing, grants, building expenses, fees and wages as well as other expenses.
Director Josiah Jones explained to the board that the budget is a little rough since he has only been director for less than a year and he has based some of the numbers on previous budgets. It is a budget to work from; however, and he said he will have a better understanding of the numbers next year.
The board also voted on the executive committee for 2018 and voted to retain all three officers. These include Chairwoman Terri Cunkle, Vice Chairwoman Susan Williams and Secretary-Treasurer Bonnie Robinson Harper.
Board members expressed the feeling that it was best to have some continuity as the board continues to work to refocus the mission of Visit Clearfield County. The board also discussed next month’s reorganization.
Meetings will continue to be held on the second Wednesday of each month, but the time will be moved to 8:30 a.m.
The new bylaws also changed the hotel tax committee to the partner committee with five members, and all partners will be e-mailed to ask that those interested in serving for a year to contact VCC.
Jones also gave updates on various items. He said that at least five journalists from national/international publications will be visiting the county next year to explore different aspects for articles.
Two are coming in January for Winterfest at Parker Dam, one is coming in July and looking for “quirky” attractions and two are planning a visit for September. He said more may be making plans as well.
Clearfield County will have a geocache trail featured on www.geocaching.com. Jones said it will be heavily marketed in Ohio, New Jersey and New York.
Also, some marketing efforts are beginning to pay off. With the advertising done for Showers Field in DuBois, he said the field may be booked for most of next year with tournaments and other events. And the office has been getting inquiries about the Groundhog Wine Fest from recent advertisements.
Finally, during approval of grants last month one was missed. The board then approved $2,675 to the Grice Clearfield Community Museum for advertising.
