Tourism Authority may cut weekend trolley service in downtown Salisbury

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
The weekend trolley service in downtown Salisbury may become a victim of the economy.
The Rowan Tourism Development Authority, which has operated the trolley for almost a decade, has slashed the cost of the Saturday public trolleys from its budget.
Last week the Tourism Authority’s board of directors approved a second round of budget cuts, including the trolley service.
The latest round of budget cuts total $5,270.
Tourism officials cited the decrease in hotel occupancy due to the souring economy.
Executive Director James Meacham said the total occupancy tax for November could be $4,500 to $6,000 less than what was collected for the same period last year.
Meacham asked the board to authorize the cuts, but said he will wait until January to institute them.
Other cuts included postage, part-time salaries and travel expenses. Meacham said every effort will be made to keep the marketing budget intact so the agency can do the crucial work of attracting visitors.
Board member Mark Lewis, also a Salisbury City Council member, objected to cutting the trolley, saying it would be an “unfortunate choice.”
Removing the trolley from the downtown would “take something away that adds appeal,” Lewis said.
He went on to suggest that Downtown Salisbury or some other group may be able to come up with the $1,700 to keep the trolleys going until June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Meacham said if other funding can be found the trolleys can continue.
He also vowed that the trolley part of the budget cuts will be the last one implemented.
Randy Hemann, executive director of Downtown Salisbury, said Monday that he was aware of the discussion regarding cutting the trolley service.
Hemann said he anticipates the issue will come up at the next Downtown Salisbury board meeting. He noted that Meacham serves on that board.
The Tourism Development Authority took over operation of the trolleys from Downtown Salisbury.
Meacham said the trolleys reserved for weddings, church groups and others make money. Those trolleys will continue to operate on the weekend and during the week.
The public trolley needs to have at least 30 adult customers paying the full $5 fare to break even. Meacham said it usually has 20 to 25 riders.
Traditionally, the trolley service is suspended during winter months.