Quote:
Originally Posted by Fargo
I'd like to see the city of Laconia put the Rally on the ballot and let the citizens decide to keep this money pit or get rid of it.
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How is it a money pit?
It has been revenue neutral every year except this year when the City Manager screwed up and allowed Laconia Fest to continue without the required deposit.
Even though it is considered revenue neutral by Laconia, the state receives substantial additional income from road tolls, liquor sales, and room and meal taxes.
It allows local businesses to survive with an injection of cash after a long slow winter. Every local business from Shaws to Dairy Queen enjoys additional income because of the influx of tourists. It provides overtime for many public safety workers as well as others such as the DPW, benefiting all of them and their families.
It showcases the lake and the surrounding area to many people who have not been here before and many return with their families to enjoy the area while spending money. In recent years the traffic problems have become almost non- existent as attendance declines.