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The Fort Scott Commissioners met Monday evening to make a few last minute crunches to prevent a tax increase. The big topic of discussion was whether to cut Dolly the Trolley from the city's budget.
"We talked at length about the trolley," Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner said. "We're going to be keeping it in the budget for now."
The decision was certainly good news for Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Tourism Cynthia McFarlin who understands the crunch the city is in. McFarlin said it was important for the commissioners to view the trolley as more than tourism. She said it plays a part in the area's economic development by bringing in tourists who spend money in the area.
"We recognize the city is having budget issues and we want to be part of that solution," McFarlin said.
To be part of the solution, McFarlin said the Department of Tourism is wanting to relieve some of the $15,000 the city budgets each year for fuel, maintenance, and to pay for drivers of the trolley.
"We are hoping that we can split that with (the city) one way or another," McFarlin said.
McFarlin said the Department of Tourism cannot afford to take of over the trolley entirely, however cuts in other areas have made money available to share in the cost. She added, areas such as advertising, staff hours, and the number of tours have been cut to make room. In addition to the cuts, McFarlin said they plan to use only $12,500 of the budgeted amount.
"I don't want to use all that money ... the city needs it," McFarlin said.
One thing that will not change, according to McFarlin, is the cost to ride the trolley. Tickets for the trolley are $5 for people over the age of 13 and $4 for those under the age of 13.
"While the economy is a little bit tough, that is not something we want to do," McFarlin said. "We don't want to let (an increase in) the price of the trolley ride make them hesitate."
In efforts to generate more revenue, McFarlin said there is a possibility of placing advertisements on the trolley to promote Fort Scott.
"Most importantly the trolley should advertise Fort Scott as a destination," McFarlin said. "There might be some tasteful ways to advertise businesses in Fort Scott."
Currently the trolley operates Thursday through Saturday departing from the Fort Scott Visitor Center on the hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Comments
Wonderful news! With the near completion of HWY 69 now is the time to capitalize on growing our tourism effort--not eating our seed corn!
Yea! Great news to lure day trippers and tourists to our town! Thank you commissioners and chamber for making this attraction happen!
Sugar
Our trolley is a messenger of quality of life, opportunity, hope and optimism for the success of our community! Thank you, Cynthia, for understanding the concept and guarding our future as a community as we tell the Fort Scott story!
Miss Pat at home in historic Fort Scott
I'm glad they'll continue to fund the trolley. However, I was surprised it doesn't run every day of the week and that the cost is so high. It's probably a good deal and I hope folks feel like it's worth the cost but a family wanting to take the tour could get expensive.
I was out this evening & noticed our law enforcement officers are doing their part to cut back on costs. Saw two of them in a parking lot, visiting. Went by an hour later & they were still there. I'm sure the cars use less fuel at idling speed than they would patroling the city.