The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

The chamber of commerce’s 2016 contract with Electric City, good for nearly $27,000 for advertising use, was voided last Tuesday night by city council members because the wording of the contract returned to the city in April had been altered.

The city is sending out the original contract again this week. If it isn’t signed and returned, the hotel/motel funds will continue to remain with the city.

The council had agreed to provide the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce $30,000 for this year but would take back $3,208.51, the amount the city says the chamber went over its agreement for 2015.

The original 2016 contract stated that advertising expenses for the chamber festivals Colorama, Triple Fish Challenge, Festival of America (July 4), Koulee Kids Fest, Harvest Festival, and for the Grand Coulee Dam Area Visitor’s Guide, would be paid upon receipt of invoices. The chamber had stated earlier that this wording was too restrictive and tried to improve the language of the contract, adding “and general tourism.”

The council was supportive of the work of the chamber, but felt that it had voided the agreement by changing the wording of the contract. Electric City had sent the contract out in January.

Electric City advised the chamber of commerce by letter last week that it needed to sign the original unaltered contract so advertising invoices could be paid.

The chamber had already submitted invoices for this year and payment of them is pending receipt of the signed original contract.

Chamber Executive Director Peggy Nevsimal said the contract, unaltered, had been signed and returned to the city Tuesday.

“We are disappointed that we won’t be allowed to advertise anything other than the five festivals,” she said. “Festival are only a small part of what we have to offer.”