City clarifies $200,000 tourism repayment, notes additional $14,078 staff reimbursement

During the June 4 St. Helens City Council work session, city staff explained the accounting for two checks from the tourism account that were deposited into the city's primary operating account in December 2024.

Staff reported that Treadway Events, the city’s tourism contractor, repaid $200,000 using revenues generated from 2024 events. According to the city presentation, a check dated Dec. 6, 2024, for $200,000 was deposited into the city’s primary operating account and posted to the community development fund. Staff also said a second check dated Dec. 6, 2024, for $14,078.01 reimbursed the city for staff time used to support the Spirit of Halloweentown 2024 event.

The presentation noted the current tourism contract gives the city access to the tourism bank account where event revenues are deposited; under the prior contract the contractor alone had access. Staff said remaining tourism revenues remain in the tourism bank account and are being used to pay ongoing tourism events and activities. The city packet and a memo on the city website titled "clearing the confusion and setting the facts straight" include the full accounting, staff said.

Why it matters: the accounting clarification responds to public concern about the city budget and how tourism revenues have been handled. A member of the public raised broader criticisms of the budget and the tourism revenue forecast during visitor comments; the council cautioned that defamatory remarks against staff would not be permitted.

No formal council action on the tourism accounting was recorded during the work session.