During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the Local Advertising and Revenue Tax (LART) and its implications for funding various community events. A key proposal emerged to increase the LART, which currently stands at 2% for hotels and 1% for rental cars, in order to enhance funding for local initiatives and reduce conflicts of interest among committee members.

Concerns were raised regarding the presence of Jack D'Amioli, the general manager of the Broadmoor, on the committee, particularly in light of his influence over funding decisions. Critics pointed out that his involvement could compromise the integrity of the committee, especially when it comes to decisions affecting the Broadmoor, which recently received a substantial funding request related to hosting the Senior U.S. Open in 2025.

Council members acknowledged the need for a thorough review of LART and its funding allocations, emphasizing that the current tax rates are among the lowest in the nation. They expressed a desire to ensure that the tax burden falls primarily on tourists rather than local residents. The council is also considering how to evaluate events for funding, with a focus on ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.

The meeting also highlighted the contentious nature of funding decisions, particularly regarding events that some council members believe do not align with the values of the community. Specific events, such as PrideFest, faced scrutiny over their funding levels compared to other community events with significant economic impacts. Council members debated the appropriateness of using public funds to support events that some constituents view as controversial.

As the council moves forward, they plan to engage a consultant to help refine the LART process and develop a new ordinance aimed at addressing these issues. The discussions reflect a broader concern about transparency, accountability, and the need to balance diverse community interests in funding decisions. The council is expected to continue revisiting these topics in future sessions, with the goal of creating a more equitable and effective funding framework for local events.