By Todd Hatton
Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel says a reduction in tourism-related funding doesn't represent a turn from tourism as a vital product of the city, just a simple belt-tightening as the city comes to grips with a budget deficit. The Paducah Sun reports the city council recently halved its contract contribution to Southernmost Illinois Tourism, a promotional group serving multiple cities and counties. McDaniel says Southernmost wasn't alone; every area of city spending has seen reductions in funding. McDaniel says the city still strongly supports tourism efforts and tourism-generating events.