I have been reading about problems in Joplin regarding the "bed tax," which was set up to promote tourism in Joplin. Various factions are in dispute over the tax, questioning its use and the lack of participation from those who are legally entitled to participate in the use of the tax. There are threats to organize a repeal of the tax unless changes are made.
The same questions concern me about the bed tax in Neosho. Who chooses where and how it is spent?
How much is being collected? How much is in the fund, and what are the general goals of whoever is in charge? Is it truly being used for its intended purpose?
As I look around, I see private individuals or groups who are doing what I believe the bed tax was designed to do. On this very day, Neosho has been invaded by a group of “veteran” athletes, who came from all over the United States, as well as from Great Britain. These people were brought here not by a tourism committee or some sorts, but by an individual, Tom Thorne.
Those who came from “across the pond” are mostly housed in private homes, but most of the Americans found a room at local motels and that is a considerable number of rooms.
Of course, while they are in town, these people eat, shop and buy gasoline from local merchants. I'm sure no bed tax monies were contributed to this cause.
Newtonia, with all the activities out there recently, brought in many people who ate and shopped, and some even stayed in motels. (Pup tents were pretty popular for most of the re-enactors).
This November, thanks to the efforts of Shoal Creek Heritage Preservation, the Missouri Folklore Society will hold its annual convention in Neosho. This will bring in a couple of hundred people to be housed and fed. I don't see any bed tax funds helping with that.
Already, an amazing number of people are coming to Neosho just to see the new visitor center that is rising up on the ground of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Everyone wants to see this amazing building. I recently received a call from the DAR chapter in Aurora, asking me to speak at a meeting in February. I mentioned the new visitor center to the lady who called. She became very interested, saying she and her husband would make a special trip over for a look and asked about a place to eat in town.
