Fulton Tourism discusses possible construction of disc golf course

Meeting in special called session May 29, members of the Fulton Tourism Commission approved amendments to the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, and adopted the 2025-2026 budget, as well as held discussions on a proposal for a disc golf course to be constructed at Fulton’s Weaks Nature Trail, on Stephen Beale Drive.

Tourism Director Kenney Etherton reported to Tourism Commission Chairman Derrick Jackson and Tourism Commission members present in person, Melanie Gunn, Daniel Thomas, Jess Crass, Brittany Moxley, and Commission member Ashley Fortner, present electronically, that he had been approached by a disc golf group from Union City, Tenn., which includes Fulton Assistant Police Chief T.J. Kirby, regarding a disc golf course to be constructed at Weaks Nature Trail.

Etherton said the group had presented examples of course construction and proposed mapping, and that he had determined the course could be constructed within a budget of $16,000-$20,000. He said the Union City group had expressed interest in supporting the Weaks Nature Trail course, to add to the courses available for play in the local area. 

He said the course would consist of 18 holes, with hole sponsorships to be secured and recognized with the placement of a plaque at each hole. He also said City Manager Mike Gunn had committed to $3,000 from the city, used primarily for Weaks Nature Trail clean up and clearing in preparation for the course construction.

Etherton reported preliminary donations pledged in the amount of $1,500, and the Union City group had also indicated they would be able to garner contributions, which Etherton suggested could be deposited with the Ken Tenn Restoration Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, and then utilize that organization for funding.

He also said the process was underway to apply for a Walmart grant, up to $3,000. Etherton proposed the Tourism Commission commit to providing $2,750 toward the course construction.

Jackson said he could not foresee extensive maintenance for the course, once initial clearing is done and possible annual mulching would be needed, once all the holes were secured and concrete pads poured.

Jackson proposed, and the board agreed that the Tourism Commission would provide up to $6,000 toward the disc golf course project, in the event the Walmart grant did not materialize.

Commission member Jess Crass made the motion to approve the up to $6,000, seconded by Tourism Commission member Daniel Thomas, with all voting in favor.

Discussion then moved to the proposed amendments to the 2024-25 Tourism Budget.

Etherton presented the commission members with information regarding the current budget, year to date actual, remaining budget, and amendments.

He also included the proposed budget for Tourism, for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

In regard to revenues, Banana Festival income, the FY 2025 budget was amended from $50,000 to $55,000, year to date actual, $52,338. Motel-Hotel tax originally budgeted at $20,000 was amended to $15,000, with a year to date actual at $12,134.50. Restaurant tax, originally budgeted for $90,000, was amended to $106,000, and year to date actual, $104,406.69. Interest income, originally budgeted for $5,000, was amended to $6,000, and year to date actual at $5,557. Miscellaneous income, originally budgeted at $2,800, remained the same with a year to date actual at $2,721.77.

As to expenditures for the 2025 fiscal year budget amendments, salaries were budgeted at $70,000, amended to $58,000, and year to date actuals, $39,958.38. Utilities expense, originally budget at $2,500, was amended to $8,500 and year to date actuals, $3,125.36.

Office supplies remained the same at $1,000, year to date actuals at $291.63. Fourth of July event, originally budgeted for $25,000, remained the same, with year to date actuals at $20,350. The Christmas program, originally budgeted at $2,000, was amended to $7,580, year to date actuals at $7,526.06. Postage remained the same, at $250, and year to date actuals, $100, with telephone expense also remaining the same, at $1,500, and actuals at $1,115.89.

Advertising and printing, budgeted at $12,000, was amended to $9,800, year to date actuals at $8,580.80. Travel and registration was originally budgeted at $3,000, was amended to $5,200, and year to date actuals, $3,897.76. Special Projects, originally budgeted at $70,000, was amended to $23,920, year to date actuals, $17,207.71.

Professional services, originally budgeted at $20,000, remained the same, with year to date actuals, $3,687.29. Farmers Market, originally budgeted at $1,000, was amended to $3,500, year to date actuals, $1,322.84. Lastly, Banana Festival income was budgeted at $109,550, amended to $153,550, and year to date actuals, $152,777.40.

All budget amendments for the 2024-25 fiscal year budget were approved, on a motion by Ashley Fortner and a second by Jess Crass.

For the 2025-2026 fiscal year proposed budget, Etherton proposed, on the revenue side, festival income at $50,000; motel/hotel tax at $14,000; restaurant tax, $112,000; interest income at $3500; and miscellaneous income at $3000.

For the 2025-2026 fiscal year proposed budget, on the expense side, proposed was $68,250, salaries; utilities at $4,000; office supplies at $1,000; Fourth of July event, $25,000; Christmas Program, $3,000; postage, $250; telephone, $2,500; advertising and printing at $8,000; travel and registration at $3,000; special projects, $55,000; professional services at $10,000; Farmers Market at $2,500; and Banana Festival income at $50,000. 

The budget for 2025-2026, as presented by Etherton, was unanimously approved by Jackson, Gunn, Fortner, Thomas, Moxley and Crass. 

The Fulton Tourism Commission will meet for regular monthly session on Thurs., June 12 at 5 p.m. at Fulton City Hall. 

The meeting is open to the public.