A $31,522 grant that would help fund the installation of audio speakers in the 500, 600 and 700 block of downtown Webster City was given a formal extension by the Webster City Hotel/Motel Tax Grant Board on Monday.

The grant was originally issued to SSMID (Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District), but it was Ariel Bertan, the City of Webster City’s Community Development director, who explained to the board why the extension was necessary.

Originally, she said, the goal had been to install a wireless speaker system in the three blocks downtown. After project leaders learned that wireless would not be the best solution, the discussion turned to a wired speaker system and that brought the cost of the project close to $97,000.

“We did not feel that it was, you know, in the best interest without asking more questions to spend that amount of money,” Bertan explained.

She said the speakers would probably be fixed to downtown light poles and be used for live sound during special events, such as Market Nights and Christmas in the City.

But her comment that the city was discussing streaming local radio station KQWC (KZWC) routinely was met with concern from at least one board member.

John Marvel asked, “And how much money is KQWC going to pitch in? Because that’s a free service to them. I mean, it’s exposure for them.”

“They’re not,” Bertran answered. “I mean, they would be providing the service, but it’d be like you turning on the radio.”

Marvel said, “I guess my question is, that’s a benefit, though, to them and their advertisers. I mean we’re giving, you know, the city is giving them that exposure.”

“Yeah, I get what you’re saying,” Bertran said. “Typically, a live broadcast is $250 for a live broadcast. They said that they would partner with us and that that would not be the amount. So there would be the contribution of the discounted live broadcast.”

Board Chairman Andy Sowle brought the discussion back to the extension by reminding them that was the purpose of the agenda item.

Marvel agreed and moved to approve the extension.

“And to the chairman’s point that this is about the extension,” he said, “I think we have a lot of questions about it. However, I would move that we go ahead with the extension. I would like to discuss more of this with you. There’s a lot of things that can benefit the city, but we also could get revenue from.”

The board also discussed a recent request by the Hamilton County Fair Board to be given $10,000 annually from Hotel/Motel tax funds without having to apply every year. The request was made during the last meeting of the City Council of Webster City.

Of the five grant requests facing the Hotel/Motel Tax Board Monday, only four made it through the first round.

The board rejected a request by Iowa Specialty Hospital-Clarion for $2,500 to fund a bariatric exam table.

“Heads and beds,” Marvel said, reminding everyone around the table in the council chambers at City Hall that Hotel/Motel tax grants target tourism.

Here are the directives:

. Direct promotion of the City, its attributes, events or attractions emphasizing the attraction of visitors or new residents to the City.

. Construction and/or enhancements of tourism, infrastructure, amenities or attractions in the City or the immediate surrounding area having a direct impact on the City.

. Financial support of activities/events which will bring people to the City.

. Other tourism enhancement uses approved by the City Council.

The following projects will be invited to present before the board on July 30:

. Arts R Alive in Webster City. Requested amount: $9,833.77 for downtown sculptures.

. Kendall Young Library. Requested amount: $15,200 for rebranding and marketing for library designation.

. The DUB Sports Park Inc. Requested amount: $10,000.

. Wilson Brewer Park & Depot Foundation. Requested amount: $45,000 for signage, ADA bathrooms, and trains.