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By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

In two separate votes on Monday evening, the Carter County Commission narrowly approved a plan to not renew a three-year tourism contract with the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce and ask the nonprofit to sign a new one-year contract.

Currently, revenue from the county’s hotel and motel taxes goes to the chamber for tourism promotion. Recently, two committees have passed motions to not renew the contract, which has been in place since 2016 and is currently set to expire on March 9, 2025. It renews every three years, according to Commissioner Robert “Bob” Acuff, the committee’s chairman.

When asked why the committee was bringing the motion to reconsider the contract to the commission, Acuff said it was to consider other alternatives and be “good stewards.” He said not every county uses the local chamber to promote tourism.

The motion passed by one vote. Those who voted to rescind the motion included Nick Holder, Willie Campbell, Acuff, Nancy Brown, Avery Wynn, Julie Guinn, Bradley Johnson, Steve Burrough, Danny Deal, Gary Kemp, Jerry Proffitt and Jason Clawson. Those who voted against the plan, which could have renewed the contract for three years, included Angie Odom, Lisa Childress, Ginger Holdren, Donnie Cable, Todd Smith, Lesley Hughes, Aaron Frazier, Jerry Stout, Thomas Proffitt, Kelly Collins and Charlene Thomas.

During the commissioner comment period, Cable made a motion to enter into negotiations with the chamber to establish a one-year contract and ask the chamber to provide quarterly updates to the commission. Cable’s motion passed, but six commissioners voted against the proposal, including Holder, Johnson, Burrough, Deal, Kemp and Proffitt.

About two dozen people spoke in support of the chamber’s efforts during the public comment period, including the chamber’s director, Joy McCray, who has called the plan to rescind the contract “irresponsible.”

Carter County saw $56.8 million in direct visitor spending in 2023, according to numbers provided by the chamber, and hotel and motel tax revenue increased 161 percent from 2019 to 2023.

Chamber member Kathy Campbell told the commission that she saw no reason to not renew the contract. The tourism department at the chamber spends money on advertisements, the welcome center in downtown Elizabethton and events, Campbell said.

Without funding from the county, the chamber-operated welcome center would have to close, and the county’s tourism website would be shut down, said Luke Freeman, the county’s tourism director.

In addition, Freeman said current contracts that the chamber has in place for tourism would likely have to be canceled.

Reneau Dubberly, the director of the Carter County Omnium, spoke about what the chamber does for tourism in the county, including assisting with the annual bike race.

The Omnium, which Dubberly said was sought out by McCray to come to Carter County from Johnson City, brings participants to the community from around the world. Many participants return to Carter County for other visits, including vacations, he said.

Several speakers said they were confused as to why the county would consider canceling a contract that has brought in additional revenue and appears to be successful.

“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” multiple speakers said.

Rather than sharing data and numbers, McCray shared her personal story with the commission, noting that she is a longtime Carter County resident. She also spoke about how tourism and marketing can help the community after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in late September.

Commissioner Wynn said he has not seen any benefit for the county from the chamber’s tourism efforts, pointing out that he has not seen any ads. He also asked specifics about how the chamber is funded.

Frazier said the advertisements are not intended to be seen by local residents, but by travelers who might come to Carter County.

“What they put out resonates with the right people,” said Frazier, who complimented the chamber’s efforts.

Smith said he appreciated the discussion and said he believes more communication is needed between the commission and the chamber. He also recommended that the chamber provide regular updates to the commission about its efforts regarding tourism.

The current contract ends March 9, 2025, according to Acuff.

The funds from the hotel and motel tax will go into a reserve account unless a new agreement is reached. Funds from hotel and motel taxes are required to go toward tourism development and promotions, per state law.

Following the commission meeting, the county attorney will prepare a contract that includes a one-year term and other measures included in Cable’s motion. The chamber’s board will also have to approve the proposed contract.