Visit Ogden CEO Sara Toliver presented the tourism group’s annual report for 2024 and provided details about what’s to come.

Toliver said the group uses tourism tax numbers to gauge the overall health of the tourism economy in Weber County. She said that at the time of the annual report’s completion in September, year-to-date collections were approaching $7 million and pacing for a year-over-year increase from 2023.

She added that the visitor-generated share of total sales tax revenue had increased in successive years to 11.4% in 2023.

Moving into 2025, Toliver said Visit Ogden has established a veritable bonanza of specific goals in one or more of four categories or performance metrics: economic impact, destination stewardship, advocacy and team development.

Broadly, the goals mentioned included enriching and sustaining quality of life, attracting and retaining talent, cultivating culture and community, supporting public service and growing the whole economy.

Kassi Bybee, general manager at Eccles Conference Center and Peery’s Egyptian Theater, briefed the commission on the ordinance fee amendments at those venues.

Bybee said most of the fees at the conference center and the theater had remained static for “several years” and that those rates have been reassessed amid rising operational costs.

Fee adjustments were described as “minor,” but “necessary.” Bybee added that keeping rates in a comfortable range for repeat clientele was a priority.

Along with the rate increases, the commission approved contracts by and between the county and three bands slated to perform during the upcoming HOF Germanfest at the conference center.

The commission also approved a resolution appointing trustees to the Plain City Cemetery District Board of Trustees.

Approved consent items included warrants in the amount of $2.1 million and purchase orders totaling just over $95,000, the surplussing of properties (including an airport hangar), a change order for the 12th Street Phase 4 construction project and an amended contract by and between the county and Select Health for medical insurance to include covering domestic partners.

Additionally, the commission approved deputy sheriff basic training for a number of individuals through the Weber County Sheriff’s Office.

Commissioner Sharon Bolos called the addition of new deputies “great news” for the sheriff’s office amid the ongoing staffing shortages at the department.

Finally, Weber County Comptroller Scott Parke was recognized for his ongoing work with the county.

The three-member county commission meets Tuesday mornings at the Weber Center. Meeting agendas, minutes and other documents can be accessed via the county website at https://www.webercountyutah.gov/Transparency/commission_meetings.php/.