TUPELO – The Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau fielded requests Tuesday from three tourism-related organizations looking for monetary help next fiscal year.

The requests came during the CVB’s annual board retreat and budgeting work session at the Tupelo Country Club. Time was set aside to hear from organizations requesting capital.

The Elvis Presley Birthplace requested $100,000 to help with the development of a theater and other expansion plans. Last year, the CVB committed $150,000 to the project.

The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association requested $50,000 to support the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Last year, the CVB approved the request.

The Tupelo Restaurant Association requested an unspecified amount of money to pay for restaurant dues to the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association. The request asked that CVB use part of the 2 percent tax on restaurants in Tupelo to fund the dues.

Neal McCoy, executive director of the CVB and the chairman of the board, said the requests will go through the vetting process of legality, affordability and preference. The board then must vote on the requests at its August board meeting.

The Tupelo CVB also is revamping its budget. McCoy had a budget at Tuesday’s work session, but said it will be reworked after hearing recommendations from Young Strategies earlier in the meeting.

“Based on the hotel data, we really need to re-shift some focus,” he said.

He said the adjustments won’t affect staff positions, but will include re-allocating time and responsibilities.

“But we don’t know how we’re going to do that,” he said. “Now we’re going to chew on that, digest it and put together a budget that’s better using our dollars.”

carlie.kollath@journalinc.com