What is the City of Clarion Hotel/Motel Tax Grant Program Ordinance No. 538 (Excerpts) 125.01 IMPOSITION OF TAX. A tax of 7% shall be and same is hereby imposed upon the gross receipts from the renting of sleeping quarters in a hotel, motel, inn, public lodging house, rooming house, mobile home which is tangible personal property, or tourist court, or in any place where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guest for rent, with or without meals, except for sleeping rooms provided for guest of a religious institution if the property is exempt under Section 427.1(8) of the Code of Iowa, and the purpose of renting is to provide a place for a religious retreat or function and not a place for transient guests generally. This tax shall only apply within the corporate boundaries of the Clarion, Iowa. 125.02 USE OF FUNDS. Revenues derived from this tax shall be used as follows: 1. 75% thereof shall be expended for a promotion and encouragement of tourism and convention business in the City of Clarion, Iowa. 2. 25% thereof shall be expended for Park and Recreation capital projects within the City of Clarion, Iowa. Capital projects are defined as projects involving the acquisition or construction of fixed assets, which are of a long term character and intended for long term use such as land, buildings, machinery, furniture, and other equipment. The board appointed by the Mayor shall have five members comprised of one member from City Government, one member from the Visitors Bureau or a like organizational board, one member from Partnership for Growth, one member from Heartland Museum and one member from the public at large. Terms will expire upon the person and/or persons no longer involved with said organizations or upon request. The board will give the City Council a proposal each quarter showing anticipated revenues, projected uses and desired outcomes along with a report on the use and results of previous quarter's investments. The City of Clarion Council will have the final authority on the disbursement of funds from the Board s proposal.
Statement of Purpose The City of Clarion is offering Hotel/Motel grant funds for the purpose of increasing tourism, enhancing the quality of life for residents of Clarion and to increase the population of the City. Grant requests must reflect one or more areas shown below: 1) Direct promotion of the City, its attributes, events or attractions emphasizing the attraction of visitors or new residents to the City. 2) Construction and/or enhancements of tourism, infrastructure, amenities or attractions in the City having direct impact on the City. 3) Financial support of activities/events, which will bring people to the City. 4) Other tourism enhancement uses approved by the Board and City Council. Who May Apply The program accepts applications from public or private organizations with the demonstrated ability to complete proposed project(s). Eligibility of sponsors and projects are designed to encourage wide participation and innovative proposals. Applications Applications are available at the City Hall 121 1 st Street SW, Clarion, Iowa 50525 or Clarion Partnership for Growth 302 South Main, Clarion, Iowa 50525. Requirements Potential Grant recipients are required to complete the Grant Application. Funding requests eligible to projects with additional sources of funding, including in-kind donations. Applicants who received funding may also be asked to give a public presentation on their program. Criteria To be considered for funding, projects must meet the grant program requirements. All funds will not be completely distributed in any calendar year but reserved for selected long-term projects and for future applicants.
1. General Information (It is highly recommended that applications be typewritten. Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary): Name of organization Name of facility/project Contact person Email Address of organization or person completing application: Street City Phone Fax 2. What is the mission of your organization? 3. How long has the organization been in existence? 4. How many members and/or volunteers are involved in this organization and the project? 5. If hotel/motel tax funds were awarded in previous years, state the amount and describe how monies were used (attach any appropriate materials).
6. Please provide a description of the project and how the grant monies will be used. Please include a project budget (including other funding sources), bids, mock-ups or samples, and any other information that will help illustrate your project or request, including start and completion dates: (attach separate page(s) if needed) 7. Describe how the proposed project/program will bring visitors to and or enhance the City of Clarion and its image: 8. Give an estimate of how you plan to measure the success of the project: 9. Describe how the proposed project will be marketed: 10. Additional information that may be helpful:
BUDGET SUMMARY: Total Project Cost Additional funding sources In-Kind services Hotel/Motel Tax Grant Request $ $ $ $ I have reviewed this Application for Grant Funds from the City of Clarion Hotel/Motel Tax Grant Board. To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this application and its attachments is accurate and complete. The Hotel/Motel Tax Fund is to be used for the express purpose as stated in the Grant Application. I, understand, know full and well that if this program/project does not transpire, recommendations by the City of Clarion Hotel/Motel Tax Board for funding will be withdrawn. My organization will be responsible for refunding any portion of funds already received. Signature of Applicant Date APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTACH SAMPLES OR MOCK-UPS, ETC. THAT MAY SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATION AND RETURN TO: City of Clarion Hotel/Motel Tax Board PO Box 266, Clarion, Iowa 50525 (515)532-2847 Fax (515)532-2171