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Tourist organization expects to be able to take over sole support of position in 2026

The Austin City Council on Monday night agreed to extend support for a part time position with Discover Austin, MN which focuses on bringing events into the community.

The position was a three-year pilot program for a tourism sales position that prospects and makes sales calls to bring in potential groups. Executive Director Nancy Schnable has asked for a one year extension of the position with the city providing $15,000 and Mower County extending $5,000.

The city agreed 5-1, with Councilmember Geoff Baker dissenting and Councilmember Paul Fischer unavailable during the vote.

As part of the agreement, Discover Austin would fund the other half of the position with the expectation of taking over the entire $40,000 when revenue is expected to improve.

“We’re hoping by 2026 we carry the entire load,” Schnable said.

Councilmember Jason Baskin sees the move as a way to support the efforts of bringing events and groups to Austin, which ultimately supports the overall impact on the community.

“I think $15,000 to provide a bridge is a good use of our long term economic dollars,” Baskin said.

The reasons given for the request are largely due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as people staying elsewhere because of a lack of lodging options when events are held in Austin.

Salvation Army

During its regular meeting Monday night, the Austin City Council entered into a purchase agreement with the Salvation Army for its thrift store location at a cost of $346,000.

Appraisals for the city and the Salvation Army came in at $352,000 and $340,000 respectively, but after meeting the two sides agreed to split the difference.

A total estimate for the site, which includes environmental work, demolition and miscellaneous fees comes to around $431,000.

While the council agreed to the purchase, those on the council were quick to assure that this did not mean an end to the Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army is not closing,” Baskin stressed. “This does not change that.”

City Engineer Steven Lang said that purchase of the property will secure use outside of the floodplain for future uses.

In April of this year, the Salvation Army announced the closing of the thrift store after 75 years of service, as the store struggled to maintain following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to explore various avenues to sustain the store’s operations,” said the Salvation Army’s Major Jeff Strickler, who has since retired. “However, the economic impact of the pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to maintain viability.”