City terminates 28E agreement with Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding disposition of Hotel Motel Tax funds

On a 5-2 vote Monday night the Decorah City Council terminated their 28E agreement with the Winneshiek County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) as of June 30 regarding the WCCVB's role in being the fiscal agent for marketing portions of the Decorah Hotel and Motel tax funds. Steve Luse and Dan Bellrichard  were the dissenting votes. There had been a long term discussion regarding the WCCVB and its financial reporting.

Mayor Lorraine Borowski, and councilpersons Kirk Johnson and Randy Schissel brought the recommendation to the Council. Borowski cited the difficulties in financial management by the WCCVB, but said there was no indication of funds missing. She felt the group was in the process of positive regrouping and that the decision did not preclude the future possibility of a 28E agreement. The group still could request specific funds related to their marketing efforts.

Administration of those funds will now revert to the City Council administrative team, and they will retain the Hotel/Motel Marketing Committee in an advisory role.