The Hope Advertising & Tourism Promotion Commission met for their monthly meeting at City Hall last night, and City Manager JR Wilson proposed a delinquent tax procedure to the commission for nonpaid Advertising & Promotion (A&P) taxes, as was discussed in the previous month's meeting. With numerous businesses falling three and four months behind on a regular basis causing a loss of revenue, plus a drain on time and manpower, the commission discussed alternatives to the current procedure for delinquency and collection of A&P taxes. Wilson's proposal (approval pending on city attorney's review) that delinquent taxes would have a 5 percent penalty a month after the delinquent date, plus every month thereafter, and at 60 days of nonpayment, the business would receive a certified letter stating they had 30 days to pay or said business's license would be suspended. These businesses retain the right to a hearing upon receipt of this letter, as well as an appeal in circuit court should the license be suspended.
The commission discussed the proposal, and Mayor Still asked if a straight fee would be more beneficial than a percentage, but approval and/or all changes were tabled until the meeting with the city attorney takes place July 12th (today). After the meeting with the city attorney, the commission will revisit this proposal at the next meeting.
In other business, Commission Secretary and Parks Director Summer Powell updated the commission on the turnout of Sparks Fly in July. She said the event itself was a success. She gave compliments to the Chief Tomlin and the Hope Police Department for the smooth efficiency of traffic flow, and also provided a few suggestions for next year such as more port-a-potties and lighting for the kids area.
Powell also discussed items for the upcoming Watermelon Festival, highlighting a few big events. She said the Watermelon Olympics will be back with events that include: 3 on 3 basketball, Closest to the Hole, Volleyball, Tug-A-War and a Watermelon Relay Race. Teams will consist of eight team members; six male and two female are the minimum with a free entry that will take place on Thursday night. She said the Cornhole tournament will take place on Friday night, with an entry fee of $20, a youth fishing derby will be held Saturday morning (no fee), and a dog show on Thursday night hosted by Tammy Austin, KD Hicks, and Hope for Paws. Categories for the dog show will include Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Puppy, Best Adult, and Best Overall.
More Watermelon Festival news from Powell included the beginnings of a Watermelon Soccer Tournament and the continuation of the annual softball tourney. Powell asked if the commission would again fund the cash prizes for softball and cornhole, and they approved $4,000 for the softball tournament, a $1,000 cash prize to be split 1st-3rd in each of the four divisions, and a $500 cash prize for the cornhole tournament.
Other updates from Powell were that the new section of the ice rink has been delivered, as well as the remainder of the Kelly Field LED lights. The lights have been installed and all should be ready to go for the next tournament on July 22nd. She said the parks department will apply for a splashpad with the Outdoor Recreation Grant (a matching grant) again this year, pending approval of Hope City Board on July 18th, and updated project costs will be available soon. The parks department has partnered with the Hope School District and the Chamber of Commerce for the annual Back to School Bash which is scheduled for August 24th at Hope Fair Park.
Also, planning for Trunk-or-Treat downtown, as well as a 2024 Eclipse Event, will begin soon.
Th commission voted to change the August meeting date to August 15th because of the Watermelon Festival.