CALEXICO — The Measure H Committee voted against recommending funds for both the Calexico Chamber of Commerce and the Imperial Valley Economic Development Commission on Thursday night.
The chamber was requesting $75,000 with $30,000 going toward Diamond Circle-level chamber membership, $30,000 for the city to be co-executive producer of the Mariachi Festival and $15,000 for a contract between the chamber and the city for public relations.
Chamber Treasurer Daniel Fitzgerald discussed the cutbacks the chamber has had to implement since losing funds it used to get from the city’s Redevelopment Agency. The state decided to cut the agencies this summer unless fees are paid to the state.
Councilman John Moreno spoke in favor of putting Measure H funds to the chamber this one time since it promotes business and sales, therefore directly affecting Measure H funds.
Measure H, an ordinance passed in summer 2010, is a collection of a half-cent on every sales tax dollar over 20 years in the general fund under a special allocation marked Measure H taxes.
It was primarily sold to the community as a source of funds for police, fire and parks but in fact can be used for other areas.
The Measure H Committee provides recommendations to the City Council on how the funds will be used, and the City Council ultimately makes the decision.
The Imperial Valley Economic Development Commission requested $5,000 to market the city of Calexico but funds were not approved after a short discussion.
The chamber was requesting $75,000 with $30,000 going toward Diamond Circle-level chamber membership, $30,000 for the city to be co-executive producer of the Mariachi Festival and $15,000 for a contract between the chamber and the city for public relations.
Chamber Treasurer Daniel Fitzgerald discussed the cutbacks the chamber has had to implement since losing funds it used to get from the city’s Redevelopment Agency. The state decided to cut the agencies this summer unless fees are paid to the state.
Councilman John Moreno spoke in favor of putting Measure H funds to the chamber this one time since it promotes business and sales, therefore directly affecting Measure H funds.
Measure H, an ordinance passed in summer 2010, is a collection of a half-cent on every sales tax dollar over 20 years in the general fund under a special allocation marked Measure H taxes.
It was primarily sold to the community as a source of funds for police, fire and parks but in fact can be used for other areas.
The Measure H Committee provides recommendations to the City Council on how the funds will be used, and the City Council ultimately makes the decision.
The Imperial Valley Economic Development Commission requested $5,000 to market the city of Calexico but funds were not approved after a short discussion.
