Supporters of downtown revitalization efforts made a plea Monday to Poplar Bluff City Council members for funding.
The city currently pays $25,000 in salary expenses for the executive director of the nonprofit Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. This is half of the salary expense for the position.
The board of DPB has asked the council for $50,000 under the 2019 city budget to be approved in December. They also asked the salary be made a permanent line item in the city's budget.
The face of downtown is changing, DPB Chairperson Phyllis Baker told the council during a citizen's input portion of the regular council meeting. New businesses have opened, successful events have been held, buildings have been purchased and renovations are underway, she said.
"These events and businesses contribute additional sales to the community in way of eating establishments, fuel, shopping, etc. They contribute sales tax to the county and the city," Baker said, adding that is a direct return on investment in the director's salary.
The DPB position has been funded for approximately 10 years, with Jerrica Fox serving as director for almost two years.
City money for the salary comes from the tourism tax trust fund, which collects a 4-percent tax on rentals at hotels and motels. The revenues are used for the purpose of promoting convention and tourism in the city, according to city audit documents.
A 2018 budget projects $310,000 in expenses. Approximately $285,000 of that will support operations of the Black River Coliseum.
Revenues are expected to generate $340,000.
Many cities this size invest much more in their downtowns, said Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. Cape Girardeau has seen gains from its downtown program, which is largely funded by the city, he wrote in a letter presented to the council.
"If we had no progress and no forward movement, I would agree 100 percent that no financial support would be appropriate, but I think everyone can see the results of Jerrica's efforts," Halter said.
The city has a number of expenses to consider, Mayor Susan McVey said after hearing from nearly a dozen speakers.
Fox has done a tremendous job, and downtown is on the right path, McVey agreed.
"We as a council are challenged with having to make decisions on where we spend our money. There is money that is earmarked for that," she said.
The city also wants to give employees raises and repair streets, McVey continued.
City manager Mark Massingham confirmed today the tourism tax money cannot be used for raises or street repairs.
The tourism tax is expected to have a cash reserve of at least $330,000 at the end of this year, according to the city budget.
Downtown business owners from Bronze Owl Brewery and other locations also spoke in support of DPB. Fox has helped business owners understand and navigate city regulations, they said.
The roots of the city, and the heart of Poplar Bluff, are downtown, other speakers said.
"Jerrica has worked diligently. She has turned that downtown into a beginning of something that's thriving. We would be very foolish to not help that come along," said Gaelle Freer, a longtime downtown supporter, who added the effort struggled when it was solely the part-time effort of volunteers.
Downtown business owner Felix Baker compared cutting the salary now to quitting in the eighth inning of a winning World Series game.
"We've got a hard fight. It's not easy working downtown. It's not been the best place to be in a long time, but right now we are on a very successful start," Baker said. "Please continue the fight."