Approval of the Lodgers' Tax Funding Request for Roswell Symphony Orchestra for Marketing, Sanitation and Security and open negotiations with the City of Roswell for sponsorship. (Gass/Conyers)

Initiated by: Tommi Jo Conyers

From their application:

The Roswell Symphony Orchestra concert season for 2026-2027 will take place on September 26, 2026, December 13, 2026, March 6, 2027, and April 24, 2027. The location of all four concerts will be held at New Mexico Military Institute's Pearson Auditorium and require no city facilities. All seating, restrooms, security etc. will be provided on site by NMMI.

The RSO includes local professional musicians although approximately 90% of our orchestra travel from surrounding areas such as Lubbock, Amarillo, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces and El Paso. Each concert season brings a significant number of patrons who attend our events as well as musicians that come to support our local hotels, restaurants, and shops. For our 2025-2026 concert season, we incurred hotel costs of more than $18000.00 for our musicians alone.

3 years of Historical Lodgers’ Tax Funding Data:
Marketing, sanitation, and security.
FY2023- Awarded $8,725- Expended- $3,074.33
FY2024- Awarded $8,860- Expended- $4,16.49
FY2025- Awarded $20,000- Expended $16,812.05
FY2026- Awarded $20,000- Expended $20,000 (Waiting on documentation)
 

The Finance Committee recommended funding in the amount of $10,000 for marketing, sanitation, and security, and $10,000 to be considered for sponsorship. Total recommendation of $20,000

26224081-672805- $10,000
26224081-672805- $10,000

The City Attorney's office will review and approve the sponsorship agreements before signatures are collected.

The Occupancy Tax Board voted 3-0 to recommend funding the Roswell Symphony Orchestra at its July 21, 2026, meeting. The Finance Committee recommended approval 4-0 at its meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026.

Proceed as presented.