News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Putnam County Parks and Recreation Department is suffering from funding losses from a hotel motel tax revenue decrease.
As sports tournaments are cancelled, out of town competitors aren’t staying in Putnam County hotels. Parks and Rec Director John Albertson said this tax revenue is one of the main sources of funding for the department.
“We’ve been asked to monitor kinda our spending for the first several months trying to keep an eye on things, and keeping a real close eye on how many people are having to stay in the county on our hotels,” Albertson said. “We’re essentially trying to be a little tighter than what we normally would be at this time of the year.”
Albertson said although hotel bookings are increasing, it’s still not enough. May’s revenue was down 65 percent in comparison to last year, and June 40 percent.
40 regional teams were scheduled to play a tournament this weekend, which would have provided much needed revenue for the department. Albertson said because of Governor Lee’s extension, the tournament was cancelled.
Prior to the executive order, Parks and Rec officials were limiting what contact sports were allowed to play. Albertson said Parks and Rec departments across the country are affected.
“Of course, a lot of parks and rec departments are very involved in the community, and tend to be more of the involved government agencies with the individual people in the community,” Albertson said. “That’s something that has been affected quite regularly.”
Albertson said revenue sacrifices the department has made includes shutting down the pool and cancelling most classes and programs. He said the department is still working on projects, but new projects will have to wait.
