Montrose city council tackles tourism promotion

Montrose City Council is facing the new challenge of tackling tourism promotion.

Now that its partnership with the association of commerce and tourism is over, it's in the city council's hands.

The community was shocked when the partnership ended, but Montrose city council members say they're excited to focus on keeping money in the city.

The city manager is meeting with focus groups across the community for planning input.

Currently the city council is figuring out how to use two pots of money for the plan: Retail Enhancement and Tourism Promotion.

The mayor of Montrose, Thomas Smits, says now contracts can be spread over diverse and local groups, whereas before The Montrose Act worked with public relation firms out of state.

Smits says, he's excited to localize the tourism plan, but understands the public's uncertainty.

"There’s always a mistrust in government in general because of what goes on at the federal and state level sometimes, but local government has a grasp on what our community wants and we'll be able to facilitate those funds to the best of our ability, " said Smits.

A recent online poll showed that 50 percent of the community is in favor of the council taking over tourism promotion, while 30 percent are against it...and the rest are undecided.

Smits adds that their main goal is to ensure Montrose taxpayers benefit from the new plan.

Council members told us they're almost ready for an open house to hear community feedback.

If you'd like to voice your opinion you can visit: www.cityofmontrose.org