Tucumcari Lodgers Board Hesitant on Funding Amid City Spending Freeze

Board members say they will continue to recommend lodgers tax funds for events, but with 'subject to availability' due to city's financial pressures.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Tucumcari Lodgers Tax Advisory Board has become more hesitant in recommending aid for future events due to a recently enacted spending freeze by the city commission. The board discussed continuing to urge using lodgers tax revenue for events, but with the caveat of 'subject to availability' as the city faces fiscal pressures, including a reported deficit, revenue discrepancies, and payroll tax underpayments.

Why it matters

The lodgers tax funds are part of the city's general fund, so the spending freeze could impact the board's ability to provide financial support for local events and tourism initiatives. This hesitancy reflects the broader financial challenges facing the city of Tucumcari.

The details

During the board's March 4 meeting, members verbally decided they would continue to recommend using lodgers tax revenue for events, but with 'subject to availability' due to the city's financial situation. City Manager Renee Hayoz told the board that the spending freeze could affect lodgers tax funds, as they are part of the general fund. However, Hayoz said the lodgers tax funds are 'in the black' and can cover the board's advertising and promotional budget shortfall through a line-item transfer.

  • The city commission approved the spending freeze resolution on February 26, 2026.
  • The Lodgers Tax Advisory Board meeting where this was discussed was held on March 4, 2026.
  • The board is scheduled to meet again on April 1, 2026 to make recommendations for final approval or modification by the city commission.

The players

Joann Thompson

A member of the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board who noted the board would continue to urge using lodgers tax revenue for events, but with 'subject to availability'.

Renee Hayoz

The Tucumcari City Manager who informed the board that the spending freeze could affect lodgers tax funds, as they are part of the city's general fund.

Matt Bednorz

The chairman of the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board who said he was open to work sessions, but believes lodgers funds should be awarded only to nonprofit organizations.

David Brenner

A former chairman of the Lodgers Tax Advisory Board who pushed back on the notion that a recipient being a nonprofit is a requirement for lodgers' aid.

John Echols

The account executive for the city's tourism marketer, Gray Digital Marketing, who provided updates on marketing initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Lodgers Tax Advisory Board will meet again on April 1, 2026 to make final recommendations for funding requests to the city commission.

The takeaway

The Tucumcari Lodgers Tax Advisory Board's hesitancy to recommend funding for events reflects the broader financial challenges facing the city, as a spending freeze has impacted the availability of lodgers tax funds. This underscores the need for the city to find a balance between supporting local tourism initiatives and managing its overall fiscal pressures.