By HOLLY GASKILL
Members of the Wells County Convention and Visitors Commission hope to initiate new Wabash River clean-up efforts to preserve the natural attraction.
During their monthly meeting on Wednesday, the group discussed forming a subcommittee of those with vested interests — like members of the Visitors Commission and Area Plan Commission — to guide efforts. Although using funds from the innkeeper’s tax for clean-up had previously been discussed, board member Scott Elzey said these funds are restricted to tourism efforts.
As this is a recent side project for the board, board member Jon Winne asked, “Has this come to us because nobody else wants to do it, and it just keeps getting kicked around, and we’re the new kids on the block?”
“No, actually, you can probably blame me,” Elzey joked. “It was a brainstorm that I’ve had because recently, the river’s been down, and you can see a lot of tires.”
“There’s just a gap — nobody’s doing it,” board member Brandy Fiechter added. “At the Parks Department, we’ve done it (clean-up) downtown stretch for a couple (of) years.”
Additionally, Elzey said he planned to talk with the County Commissioners and Solid Waste Management District about some of the recycling fees. Several board members commented that fees to recycle larger items, like TVs, like play a role in junk and river clean-up.
Also during the meeting, the board received an update on finances from Tourism Coordinator Audry Dudley, which showed collections from the innkeeper’s tax at a slightly lower rate than last year.
Board member Michelle Blount, who owns a local Airbnb, advised that some of this decrease could be attributed to increased competition and lower rates. Blount said she has reduced the cost of her own Airbnb to stay competitive with others in the area. Board member Jeff Reed said he’s done the same with his Airbnb out-of-county.
The innkeeper’s tax places a 5% tax on all overnight accommodations, like hotels and listings on Airbnb and Vrbo.
The board also reviewed its 2024 budget, and Dudley noted that office rent has been added for $320 per month. Her position was previously housed under the economic development branch of the Chamber of Commerce, and “Economic Development left, which means I now have to pay,” she stated.
In other project updates, Dudley presented a brochure map to guide visitors at Ouabache State Park to attractions in downtown Bluffton. While the group hoped to use resources from the APC for a map of countywide attractions, Dudley has since learned she wouldn’t be able to manipulate the design from the GIS format. Propeller Marketing of Fishers quoted the project at $2,000.
The board then reviewed a contract from Britton Marketing of Fort Wayne for a 12-month marketing campaign, advising Dudley to clarify miscellaneous terms about reimbursing “all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Project” and expenses for travel. The county will pay $50,000 for the campaign.
Dudley also shared new Wells County apparel items. The items are available in batches, and the online store will close on Sept. 8. Pick-up will be available at Team Mantra or the Wells County Commerce and Visitors Centre. The online store can be found on the Wells County Visitor & Information Bureau Facebook page or at visitwellsco24.itemorder.com/shop/sale/.
In addition to Elzey, Winne, Fiechter, Blount, board members Steve Higgins, Jay Esparza and Jeff Reed were also present Wednesday; Zane Herr and Justin Osborne were absent. Elzey noted during the meeting that Winne, Blount, Esparza, Higgins and Osborne will all be up for re-appointment to the board at the end of the year.
holly@news-banner.com
