10 Crystal Lake area organizations to receive more than $200,000 in hotel, motel tax revenues

CORRECTION: In an original version of this article, organizations were listed with their requested funding amounts, instead of what monies they were actually allocated. The article has since been updated to reflect accurate figures. The Northwest Herald regrets the error.

Ten Crystal Lake organizations are set to get just over $200,000 total for the upcoming budget year and the one after from of the city’s hotel and motel tax revenue.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the hospitality business with most hotels reporting significantly fewer room bookings, according to city documents. This affected the funds the city had available to distribute through the program.

Crystal Lake expects to end the year with about $30,000 leftover in its hotel and motel tax fund, which will be used for future years of the funding program, according to the documents. The city’s hotel and motel tax rate is currently 5%.

The Raue Center for the Arts is set to receive the most out of the 10 organizations selected by the city. The $99,110 will go toward programming and marketing.

The Raue Center for the Arts requested this money to help support upcoming events and its 20th anniversary celebration, including numerous multi-day programs and the introduction of new initiatives, according to city documents.

Other places money from hotel and motel taxes were allocated to include:

• $3,300 to the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce for a community events video;
• $3,300 to the Crystal Lake Soccer Federation for the marketing, advertising, and promotion of their annual Crystal Lake Force Classic Soccer Tournament;
• $1,650 to the Encore Music Academy for general operating support and concert production;
• $23,125 to the Historic Downtown District of Crystal Lake Inc. for operating support and financial assistance for programs;
• $30,000 to the Lakeside Legacy Foundation to support the operation of signature events and programs;
• $1,320 to the McHenry County Santa Run for Kids for operating and marketing support;
• $34,880 to the McHenry County Youth Sports Association to market its summer international baseball championships;
• $660 to the Williams Street Repertory Theatre Company for programming support; and
• $6,600 to the McHenry County Convention and Visitor Bureau for increased ongoing marketing and sales efforts for Visit McHenry County.

Staff evaluates several criteria before selecting these organizations for funding, according to a Crystal Lake City Council agenda supplement.

Criteria includes the availability of hotel and motel tax receipts for disbursement and a review of the documentation submitted by each organization. To qualify to get money from hotel and motel tax funding allocations, organizations requesting money have to submit documentation showing the qualifying event or activity will happen within the program application and a list of expenses.

Crystal Lake does not supplement the allocations with other city revenues, according to staff.

This funding was unanimously approved at a Crystal Lake City Council meeting as part of the consent agenda.