Small portion of 110 funds used

RITZVILLE – The city awarded $220,000 in hotel/motel tax funds to nine recipients for usage in 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, only $50,288 of the funds have been claimed.

The Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded $40,000 for special events and tourism marketing, and has so far requested $3,015 to be reimbursed.

The Ritzville Downtown Development Association was awarded $12,000 for maintenance and operation at the Ritz Theater, requesting $4,881 to be reimbursed. John Rankin said it was spent on Personal Protection Equipment and sterilization materials.

The H.E. Gritman Building was awarded $10,000 for Music on Main, with those funds unclaimed. City clerk-treasurer Julie Flyckt said with events restricted due to COVID-19, insurance couldn’t be purchased if they were held. The 110 funds were awarded in December and January, before Governor Inslee shut down the state.

Funds remaining for other events cancelled include $5,000 to the Ritzville Festivals Association for the community float, truck and trailer; and $5,000 to the Ritzville Rodeo Association for advertising.

Funds of $3,000 awarded to Flying Arts Ranch, Inc. for Ghost Sign Restoration also remain unclaimed, as well as $4,200 to Best Western Bronco Inn for a DOT permit for freeway signs.

The City of Ritzville has funds set aside and remaining for the following projects:

$7,500 for utilities at the Burrough’s and Depot museums, with $3,426 remaining; $30,000 for the Burroughs Museum roof; $3,780 of $41,000 awarded for Way Finding Signage; $27,500 for a Way Finding upgrade to external Washington State Department of Transportation signs; $20,000 for heating/cooling, windows, and wall insulation at the Golf Course Clubhouse; and $8,202 of $9,300 awarded for utilities at the Golf Course Clubhouse.

Flyckt said funds awarded but not used cannot be rolled over to the next year.

Applications for projects to be funded in 2021 will be available August 28 and due back to the city by October 9.