(Atlantic) Golden Hills Executive Director Cara Morgan presented on tourism, trails, and information on the feasibility of a full or part time Cass County tourism director to the Cass County Board of Supervisors earlier this morning.
For the past 15 years, Kenner Baxter of Marne led the Cass County tourism group as a volunteer and announced her plans to retire last spring. Last week, Brigham Hoegh provided the supervisors with a breakdown of what a part or full-time director would look like from the fiscal year 2022 through the fiscal year 2025. The total ARPA funding request for a part-time director is $63,922.80 and $118,722.35 for a full-time director.
Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development is an Oakland based 501C that obtains funds through grants, donations, partnerships, and services. Golden Hills has full time staff, along with a board of directors that represent all 8 southwest Iowa counties. Cass County supervisor chairman Steve Baier asked Morgan if any counties they collaborate with have a tourism director.
Morgan presented on how Golden Hills operates and what financial commitments are necessary.
The Golden Hills proposal was a 3-year commitment, with a $15,000 payment requirement per year. Once a commitment is made, Golden Hills will collaborate with a Cass County tourism committee to focus on what needs to be improved. Once priorities are established, Golden Hills will identify grant sources and conduct grant writing.
No action was taken by the supervisors.
