While requests for tourism tax dollars are increasing, the amount of money available is declining. The tourism tax comes from lodging rentals at hotels, motels and bed and breakfast facilities in Alva.

The Alva Tourism Committee has seen a steady decline in funds in recent years. A budget analysis by the City of Alva shows actual tourism tax collected in fiscal year 2015-2016 was $226,898. The following year it dropped to $198,599. Although the current year doesn't end until June 30, projected tourism tax revenue is $155,763.

Dr. Charles Tucker, a member of the committee, looked at the first q...