After years of working together the Montrose city council has ended its partnership with the Association of Commerce and Tourism.
Some find the news shocking, but council members say ultimately they wanted to change the way the city handles the commerce and tourism budget.
"This year the council felt it was best to move forward in house and take a more comprehensive approach in how we tackle tourism promotion and retail enhancement," said Thomas Smits, the Mayor of Montrose.
Smits added that after careful consideration the city council will now be taking charge of the use of public funds designated for retail sales and tourism promotion- ending their annual contract.
The executive director of the Montrose Association of Commerce and Tourism, Jenni Sopsic, says the decision caught her off guard.
"There was a meeting called at 1:30 to, we thought, further those discussions. However at that meeting we were presented with a letter of termination for our contract. I think what I’ve heard more than anything is disbelief and shock," said Sopsic.
The termination means the chamber of commerce will no longer receive five hundred and fifty thousand dollars for program funds.
"Our program of work is actually shrinking...I wish it wouldn't of happened I think it's unfortunate but ultimately it was the city councils decision."
The mayor says now the city won't have to use a third party and the change will put tax payer’s one step closer to fund-use.
Smits said, "The elected officials now truly have control of those pots of money, and the people have a bigger voice through their elected officials that we're not handing it off."
Although the contract between city council and the chamber has ended, officials from both sides say they're confident their positive relationship will continue.
"The Montrose act is also our chamber so we definitely want to support them in their future endeavors," said Smits.
"Having a partnership with the city is important, the chamber of commerce, we encompass so we certainly want to continue having a positive relationship with the city of Montrose," said Sopsic.
City council members told us they want to strongly urge community members to give their input about tourism and retail ideas.
To do so just visit city of Montrose.com
 
http://www.cityofmontrose.org/