ROSWELL NEW MEXICO
AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
19.
Finance Committee
- Meeting Date:
- 02/03/2026
COMMITTEE:
Finance
CONTACT:
Tammi Smith
CHAIR:
Kurt Gass
ACTION REQUESTED:
Consider recommendation of approval of the Galacticon Lodgers' Tax Sponsorship Agreement in the amount of $6,200. (Conyers)
BACKGROUND:
Initiated by: Tommi Jo Conyers
Galacticon has requested sponsorship funding to provide free public attractions located outside of the Galacticon facility during the UFO Festival. These attractions are intended to draw visitors throughout the full UFO Festival footprint, increasing foot traffic and engagement in multiple areas of the event.
The proposed attractions will be family-friendly, accessible to all ages, and open during Galacticon operating hours. All activities will be overseen by the Galacticon Director to ensure appropriate operation and alignment with festival programming.
This request represents the third consecutive year Galacticon has sought and received sponsorship support. In prior years, the City has provided Lodgers’ Tax funding to support similar public-facing attractions, with expenditures coming in under awarded amounts.
Historical Lodgers’ Tax Sponsorship Data:
FY2024: Awarded $10,000 | Expended $7,414.88
FY2025: Awarded $8,000 | Expended $3,700
For FY2026, Galacticon is requesting $6,200, pending approval, to continue offering these free attractions as part of the overall UFO Festival experience.
Galacticon has requested sponsorship funding to provide free public attractions located outside of the Galacticon facility during the UFO Festival. These attractions are intended to draw visitors throughout the full UFO Festival footprint, increasing foot traffic and engagement in multiple areas of the event.
The proposed attractions will be family-friendly, accessible to all ages, and open during Galacticon operating hours. All activities will be overseen by the Galacticon Director to ensure appropriate operation and alignment with festival programming.
This request represents the third consecutive year Galacticon has sought and received sponsorship support. In prior years, the City has provided Lodgers’ Tax funding to support similar public-facing attractions, with expenditures coming in under awarded amounts.
Historical Lodgers’ Tax Sponsorship Data:
FY2024: Awarded $10,000 | Expended $7,414.88
FY2025: Awarded $8,000 | Expended $3,700
For FY2026, Galacticon is requesting $6,200, pending approval, to continue offering these free attractions as part of the overall UFO Festival experience.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION
Financial Impact (Revenue & Expense): Budgeted
Expense: 26224081-672828 (Public Relations - Special Events) - $6,200.00
Expense: 26224081-672828 (Public Relations - Special Events) - $6,200.00
LEGAL REVIEW:
The Legal Department has reviewed the agreement for sufficiency.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE ACTION:
The Occupancy Tax board recommended (5-0) to award Galacticon $20,000 for marketing and open negotiations with the City of Roswell for sponsorship at their July 22, 2025, meeting.
The Finance Committee recommended approval 5-0 to open negotiations with the City of Roswell for sponsorship at its meeting on January 8, 2026.
The City Council approved 10-0 to open negotiations with the City of Roswell for sponsorship at its meeting on January 16, 2026.
The Finance Committee recommended approval 5-0 to open negotiations with the City of Roswell for sponsorship at its meeting on January 8, 2026.
The City Council approved 10-0 to open negotiations with the City of Roswell for sponsorship at its meeting on January 16, 2026.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.