The Hollister City Council on Monday night unanimously approved placing $50,000 from hotel tax revenue in a special fund for use on tourism.
Council members approved the “Tourism Set Aside” fund to increase tourism marketing in the city and county. The agenda item noted that the city receives about $140,000 annually from transient occupancy tax revenues. Hollister currently disburses TOT funds into the general fund for any use.
The resolution directs staff members to work with Councilman Victor Gomez in developing a contract with a local nonprofit agency – outlining goals and objectives of the city to hire a professional marketing firm with assistance from the not-yet-determined group.
City officials have spoken to local nonprofits, but have not settled on a preferred partner. The city expects to have a contract approved at some point in July.
Several local groups and other individuals spoke at the Monday meeting and supported the allocation, such as Greg Harvey from Joshua Inn Bed & Breakfast and Debbie Taylor, executive director of the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
