Joplin City Council Informal Meeting – March 17, 2025

The Joplin City Council held an informal meeting on March 17, 2025, to receive two informational updates: a financial report from Assistant Director of Finance AJ and a presentation from CVB Director Patrick Tuttle. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting concluded with the council moving to a regular session.

Discussion Items

• Financial Information Update (Sales Tax, Use Tax, Marijuana Tax, and General Fund)
  AJ reported that sales tax received in March 2025 was up approximately 12.6% compared to the previous month, and year-over-year sales tax was up 2.3%. Use tax for March totaled $692,462, a 31.5% increase over the same month last year, with a year-over-year change of 7.7%. The marijuana tax revenue for March was $49,319.17, reflecting a 45.67% decrease compared to March 2024, though year-over-year (fiscal year 2025 vs. fiscal year 2024) was up 34.5%. Councilmember Bard asked about the volatility of marijuana tax receipts; AJ explained that the large drop was likely due to initial catch-up payments in 2024 and that fluctuations are based on sales and reporting to the state. Councilmember Ditarr inquired whether the strong March use tax and sales tax figures reflected holiday spending, and AJ confirmed that March receipts correspond to January sales (a two-month lag).
• General Fund Operating Revenues and Expenditures
  AJ presented the year-to-date actuals for fiscal year 2025 (through February 2025). Total operating revenue: $11,299,150 (slightly below budget). Total operating expenditures: $11,159,521 (also below budget). Net operating gain: $139,629. One-time revenues: $1,068,803; one-time expenditures: $1,245,425; net one-time loss: $176,622. Total net gain (operating plus one-time) for fiscal year 2025 to date: a loss of $36,993. No questions were raised on this portion.
• CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) Update
  Patrick Tuttle presented an overview of the CVB, which operates solely on a 4% lodging tax and receives no general fund support. The CVB has a four-person staff. Current tax base includes 22 local hotels (907 rooms; 686,000 room-nights annually). Last fiscal year occupancy was 61% (pre-COVID level), generating $4 million in revenue for a $1.7 million budget. Tuttle highlighted destination marketing (focus on markets 70+ miles from Joplin) and group tour sales. The CVB recorded 1,785 signed guest book entries from 49 states (missing West Virginia) and 995 visitor guide requests. Group travel brought 7,886 attendees. A visitor profile study (April–September) estimated 653,000 visitors to Joplin with an economic impact of $160 million. Ongoing initiatives include Grand Falls wayfinding, a new heritage trail marker for John C. Cox, and a Route 66 centennial map. Upcoming events for 2026 include the Route 66 Centennial, USA’s 250th anniversary, World Cup festivities, the Great Race, and numerous car club conventions. Tuttle noted that the street painting event (June 4–7, 2025) will feature 10 artists. Councilmember Copel asked about the 3D street art; Tuttle reported it is well-received but needs resealing due to weather. Councilmember Carlin asked about the mailing list and the new tile mural; Tuttle provided details on the mural’s progress and new LED lighting. He also noted that invitations to other mayors for the April 4th Route 66 event have been sent, with one response received so far.

Key Outcomes

• The council received the financial and CVB reports without formal action. No votes, directives, or referrals were made. The meeting was informational and concluded with the council resuming its regular session.