04-24-2023 RAPZ COMMITTEE

- The committee reviewed and ranked 79 RAPZ/restraurant tax applications, with staff noting over 1,200 pages of materials and a revised total of about $4.46 million available for recommendation. Members agreed to leave some funds unallocated as a buffer for Council review and possible future needs. - Number 23 was changed from ineligible to eligible after staff and finance reviewed its status and determined the work would occur on public lands. It was explained as a trail-related NEPA preparation project that would ultimately be carried out by the Logan Ranger District/U.S. Forest Service. - The committee generally followed the application book order and made funding recommendations project by project, often comparing requested amounts to budgets, surpluses, community impact, and prior awards. Several members stressed that applicants should show “skin in the game” through matching funds, volunteer labor, or other support. - Major arts and cultural awards included American Festival Chorus at $30,000, Cache Valley Civic Ballet at $58,500, Cache Valley Center for the Arts at $100,000, and Nibley Children’s Theater at $1,250. The committee also funded several theater and music groups, including Music Theatre West at $30,000 and Four Seasons Theatre at $20,000. - The committee gave substantial support to fairgrounds and community facility projects, including Cache County Fairgrounds/Event Center-related requests totaling $400,000 across multiple projects. They also funded the Cache County Trails/park-related requests, including County trails work at $21,156 and other trail and park items, while discussing whether some projects were too specific or too concentrated in one area. - Several small-town recreation and park projects were funded, such as Cornish at $50,000, Newton’s pickleball and playground requests at $35,000 and $10,000, Paradise at $50,000, Providence at $150,000, Richmond at $59,000, River Heights at $125,000, and Smithfield parks at $100,000. Members repeatedly noted that smaller towns rely heavily on volunteer labor and limited budgets. - The committee supported multiple tourism and event-related projects, including the Cache County building/grounds electrical upgrade for the farmers market at $9,500, the Grand Fondo bicycle event at $7,500 plus $2,500 for promotion, and the Cache Valley Airport request at $0 pending clearer funding and project structure. Logan City Arts/Recreation received $475,000 for its larger multi-phase project. - A lengthy discussion focused on the Suicide Prevention Coalition event, which was ultimately recommended at $15,000. Members debated whether it fit the RAPZ tourism/arts categories, but staff explained it had become a broader county mental-health event with booths, speakers, and music, and that the county has a mental health responsibility under state law. - The Cache Valley Zoo request was funded at $160,000, with committee members pointing to strong cash reserves and growing surpluses as reasons not to fund the full ask. There was also discussion about the clarity of audit requirements and whether the zoo’s financial reporting was sufficient. - Staff said they would finalize the numbers and send them to committee members for review before presenting them to County Council on May 9. Members were invited to email any last adjustments, and the chair noted the committee had completed its work without needing a second meeting.