In first, hotel/motel committee signs grant

WASHINGTON — The Washington Hotel/Motel Committee — a municipal board that handles roughly $75,000 in annual taxes on local hospitality businesses — has issued its first-ever grant.

While the group has existed since 2017, Committee Chair and Washington Mayor Millie Youngquist said the recent $2,500 check to help fund a restroom construction project on the Washington County Fairgrounds represented an overall pivot to more formalized applications for committee funding.

Previously, applicants for hotel/motel dollars could simply show up at any committee meeting, pitch their proposal, and let members hash it out. Under the new system, Youngquist said they would instead file submissions in writing, which committee members rate based on a handful of consistent criteria.

“It’s a little more scientific, more methodical,” Youngquist said. “We also want our funds to be leveraged (with other funding) … and it’s more strategic. I think it’s something we want to continue doing.”

The grants won’t be issued on a cycle, according to Youngquist, nor will they pit applicants against one another for competitive funding, unless the demand outpaces the amount of money available.

The group allocates cash to projects it expects will increase tourism around Washington. Previous hotel/motel-backed endeavors included a playground the city’s Wellness Park, a series of wayfinding and welcome signs around town, and a now-iconic mural just south of the square.

Youngquist said those interested could now find application paperwork on the city’s website, though she encouraged prospective grant-seekers to consult committee members before filing their submissions.

She hopes the new setup will increase community awareness of the committee’s ability to help with local efforts.

“It’s kind of evolved,” Youngquist said. “I think this is an effort to be more open with our funding, and let people know that there is the opportunity to apply if they have a good idea, or want to do something for Washington to improve tourism.”

County fair organizers, for their part, said they appreciated the $2,500 boost.

“We are so thankful for this grant money and to have a community that supports our fair," said Fair Board Member Kevin Hora, in a statement on the group’s Facebook page.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com