GLASGOW, Ky. — The Glasgow-Barren County Tourist & Convention Commission is formally asking Barren County to remain part of the joint tourism agency as county officials consider creating a separate commission.

The commission adopted a resolution Tuesday expressing its “strong desire” for Barren County to remain an active participant and partner.

The resolution marks the commission’s formal response to the county’s consideration of withdrawing from the nearly 30-year partnership with Glasgow.

Commissioners said the joint agency has been built on shared investment, mutual trust and collaboration between Glasgow, Barren County, tourism businesses and community leaders.

They warned that Barren County’s withdrawal would create “significant financial hardship” for the commission and could substantially affect its ability to continue operating at its current level.

The resolution also points to the tourism infrastructure and relationships developed through the partnership, including marketing efforts, programs and state-level representation.

“The Commission believes that tourism promotion is most effective when the community speaks with a unified voice,” the resolution said.

Tourism commission partnership resolution by brennan.crain

Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Byrd said the county’s consideration of a separate tourism commission is not intended to end its support for tourism efforts throughout the county.

“We are working to bring tourism generators to our communities diligently,” Byrd said. “We want to make sure that we also invest in our communities and tourism type events all over Barren County.”

“We plan to work with all current directors to make sure they have support to continue their operations and regional efforts,” she said. “This is not a separation of efforts or support. It is a requirement in order to grow.”

The commission’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year projects $358,300 in revenue, including $300,000 from lodging taxes. Its amended budget for the current fiscal year lists $304,029 in revenue, including $268,253 in lodging tax revenue through May.

The proposed budget also calls for $82,856 in marketing expenses, compared with $43,750 in the current year’s amended budget.

Byrd said the county is currently reviewing the joint tourism agency’s budget.

The commissioners urged the Barren County Fiscal Court to consider the long-term value of the partnership and the potential effect that a withdrawal or significant reduction in county support could have on tourism promotion.

The resolution also acknowledges that local officials have a responsibility to consider public input and make decisions in the best interests of their constituents.

“We value the longstanding relationship with Barren County and do not view the present circumstances as diminishing the importance of the partnership that has existed for more than three decades,” the resolution said.

The commission concluded by expressing appreciation for its nearly 30 years of partnership with Barren County and saying the community is best served when public and private partners continue to work together.

The resolution was adopted Aug. 11 and signed by commission Chair Bryan Sorrell.

Barren County has not made a final decision on whether to establish a separate tourism commission.