Anyone living in Carroll County — regardless of occupation — once again has the opportunity to apply to become a member of the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission.
The opportunity arose after Heather Wilson, who had held the commission’s at-large seat, announced her resignation at the CAPC’s monthly meeting held Wednesday, April 22.
“… I am announcing this is my last CAPC meeting,” said Wilson who cited future professional and personal endeavors that she said will leave her unable to give the CAPC position the time and attention required. “… I cannot give the position the time that it deserves, and this will open up the at-large seat for somebody who doesn’t necessarily own a restaurant or lodging [business.]”
The commission’s at-large seat is open to anyone living in Carroll County, regardless of background or profession.
Wilson’s departure now gives the CAPC two vacancies. The other open seat, previously held by Kolin Paulk, is one of four that must be held by an individual who owns or manages a restaurant, bar or lodging business in the city. The other two commission seats are reserved for members of the Eureka Springs City Council, who are appointed annually by the council.
“We’ve received one applicant recently,” CAPC director Mike Maloney told commissioners at the April 22 meeting. “We still have two older applicants, and now have one brand-new submission. That person will be coming into the office this week to talk a little bit.”
The two vacant seats have a term set to expire June 30, with short-term appointments typically renewed for a new term.
Commissioner David Avanzino, also a member of city council, and CAPC chair Shira Fouste, thanked Wilson for her service on the commission. Steve Holifield, a member of city council and former CAPC chair, also mentioned Wilson’s service during his comments at the end of the April 27 council meeting.
CAPC FINANCIALS
CAPC finance director Ty Reed told commissioners that the CAPC had $1,427,000 in the bank.
“For March, we had collections of $116,000, with a budget of $95,000,” Reed said. “Year-to-date actual collections are $335,000 with a budget of $294,000.”
Total expenses for March were $168,000 with a budget of $166,000, Reed said, adding that total expenses for the year were at $629,000 with a budget of $672,000.
“Net income for March is at negative-$37,000 with a budget of negative-$49,000 year-to-date,” he said. “[Overall is at] negative-$252,000 with a budget of negative-$329,000 with equity infusions to cover the shortfall.”
Rounding out February collections, Reed said the CAPC brought in $100,000 overall, compared with $89,000 in 2025 and $105,000 in 2024. The cumulative total for 2026 through February was $189,000, compared with $171,000 in 2025 and $182,000 in 2024, he said.
Lodging numbers in February were at $46,000 compared to $38,000 in 2025 and $48,000 in 2024, Reed added, while food and beverage brought in $54,000 this year, $50,000 in 2025 and $56,000 in 2024.
TOURISM REPORT
Maloney told commissioners that the first quarter of 2026 “looks as good as it has in a long time.”
“When we start digging into our web analytics, we really start to see this thing catch on fire,” he said, highlighting recent events the city that have brought in a good number of tourists, including the Eureka Springs Music Awards and Springtime in the Ozarks.
Maloney said the 79th Annual Folk Festival is booked for Labor Day weekend and the May Festival of the Arts planning is going well.
“It’s growing this year,” he said.
REMEMBERING OTT
Maloney closed his tourism report by recognizing award-winning hospitality guru Bill Ott, a strong advocate for Eureka Springs, who passed away suddenly on April 18.
“I’m saddened by the loss of Bill Ott. It came as a shock,” Maloney told commissioners. “I’ve known Bill for over 20 years, worked with him when he was a client, they were a client of mine.
“I was with Bill two weeks ago when we sat down with [Carroll County Clerk] Connie Doss with the county and talked about marriage licenses in Eureka Springs, and what we could do. Bill basically was at the forefront of that luncheon, and I think about it now and wish I had one more time, another minute to spend with Bill.
“So, I’m saddened at the loss.”
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