Alton Mayor David Goins Welcomes Discussions to Rebalance Tourism and Development Funding

ALTON - The City of Alton is considering legislation to significantly restructure how municipal Hotel Room Tax and Food & Beverage Sales Tax revenues are allocated, shifting a larger share of funding toward riverfront improvements, beautification projects, recreational and educational development, and broader economic development initiatives.

The proposal reduces the portion of both taxes currently directed to the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau (GRRTB). It reallocates those funds to support key city priorities, including the Emergency Vehicle Fund (EVF), Riverfront Park Development, and the Marina Development Fund.

“Alton must ensure that our tax dollars are being used strategically to strengthen our infrastructure, enhance our public spaces, and support long-term economic growth,” said Mayor David Goins. “This is a needed discussion, and I appreciate Alderwoman Patty Ford bringing it before Council.”

GRRTB currently receives a significantly larger annual contribution from Alton than from neighboring municipalities. From April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, Alton provided $590,403 in funding to GRRTB. Fiscal years differ by municipality, but approximate funding from other communities is much less.

The data in the table below was mainly gathered by calling other municipalities and speaking with members of their staff. Approximate Support Per Annum to GRRTB City FY24/25 FY25/26 Alton $547,609 $590,403 Collinsville $83,334 $75,000 Grafton $50,000 $60,000 Godfrey $20,000 $20,000 Wood River $25,000, $0 Granite City $30,000.

Mayor Goins continued, “Including this one, there are three resolutions related to the Food & Beverage Sales Tax scheduled for discussion on April 6. I also know that during conversations with local businesses, it has been suggested that a small business grant could and should be funded with the proceeds from this same tax. Other suggestions have been made to increase funding for emergency vehicles from the Hotel Room Tax.”

“These are all important issues, and I will propose to the Council that we, together, create a comprehensive strategy for tax distribution. We need a plan that is fair and that prioritizes Alton.” Alderwoman Patty Ford echoed this sentiment, “Tourism is important for our region, but the City of Alton is carrying more than our fair share of funding for the six-county region that GRRTB represents. City staff have been preparing our budget for 2026/2027 and have been making many difficult choices. We can’t afford to subsidize the 43 other communities in the GRRTB service area. If these services are truly invaluable, our neighbors will make up the deficit as needed.”

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