BET on Q program plans to continue, pending City Council’s vote on food and beverage tax

QUINCY — The future of Quincy’s BET on Q program, which uses revenue from the city’s 1 percent food and beverage tax to help fund local events, boost tourism and increase economic activity, is under review as the City Council prepares for its annual vote on the tax in the coming year.

Jason Parrott, director of planning and development for the city of Quincy, presented a conservative estimate on the program’s success to the BET on Q committee during its meeting Tuesday afternoon. He said nearly $300,000 has been distributed to event organizers during the past year, resulting in $2.1 million in total economic activity generated by these events.  

These figures were based on data collected from the close-out surveys submitted by event organizers who receive up-front funding. Events receiving funds through BET on Q are provided 75 percent of their requested funding in advance, with the remaining 25 percent granted after a post-event survey is submitted detailing financial outcomes and attendance.

Some events did not fill out the close-out survey. Parrott said the conservative estimate for those events was about $64,000 spent and $176,000 in total economic activity generated.

While the BET on Q program was created to help get events off the ground, the Leg Up Program was created to help sustain those that already were in existence.

“It is funded by an additional $100,000,” said Parrott. “Instead of the BET on Q committee reviewing applications, events apply directly to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.” 

Local events that have received funding through BET on Q include the Quincy Shootout, the billiards competition at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, and the Gem City Concert Series. Each event has brought thousands of visitors to the city and generated revenue for local businesses.

“Once the council starts crafting the budget for the new fiscal year, which would begin May 1, BET on Q could be one of the items. Same with the Leg Up Program,” Parrott said. 

BET on Q still has about $65,000 to give to events before the end of the fiscal year in April. The money will then reset if the City Council votes to continue funding the program.