The Marshall County Commissioners opened a public hearing Tuesday morning to take comments on a proposed ordinance concerning a Marshall County Tourism Commission.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger explained that the existing ordinance is outdated and new state statute calls for an appointed tourism board that is established by the commissioners and the Mayor of the City of Plymouth. The ordinance presented Tuesday morning calls for a five member board.
The amended ordinance follows state statute in that the majority of the members be active in promoting and encouraging conventions, conferences and tourism.
Several members provided public comment including Bremen Town Attorney Anthony Wagner and Bremen Director of Operations Keith Fraine. Wagner requested continued representation appointed by the Town of Bremen as it would still meet statute requirements and broader Marshall County representation. They proposed a nine membership board which would have representation from LaPaz, Bremen, Bourbon, Argos and Culver, two members from Plymouth and two members appointed by the commissioners that fit the requirements of the statute.
Other members of the public spoke in favor of the ordinance as is and that it focus on state guidelines, and focus on people who are appointed who will attract visitors from at least 50 miles away from Marshall County and that those appointees have expertise in tourism, marketing, recreation, hotel/motel and other lodging aspects, arts and culture, and history. There were also comments about providing specific Innkeepers Tax collection and expenditure reports to the county commissioners on a regular basis and ensure financial accountability.
After taking public comment, Commission President Stan Klotz suggested going to a seven member board so five communities in the county have representation and that the appointees are recommended to the commissioners by those communities for approval that meet requirements as previously stated. Commissioners Kevin Overmyer and Michael Burroughs supported a seven member board and that appointees be recommended to the commissioners for approval.
The commissioners did unanimously approve the ordinance on first reading with the amendments discussed. Those amendments will be presented during the second reading of the ordinance in a future meeting for approval.
