BOONE, Iowa—After some contentious debate between Boone City Council members Terry Moorman and Elijah Stines, the Boone City Council did vote 4-to-3 to support an agreement that would make a $25,000 sponsorship grant available to “It Happened One Christmas Movie, LLC” the production group planning on making a movie in Boone. The council received information about the interest in making a movie in Boone at the council’s August 7th meeting. No action was taken at that time, but an agreement was prepared, changing the initial request from $50,000 to $25,000.

Council member Terry Moorman expressed support for the request saying he felt it would be a positive economic impact on the city. He felt the amount was justifiable considering how much is spent on advertising and promoting Boone and Boone County. Elijah Stines did not support the proposal. He said he didn’t believe investing in a movie would benefit the community and he felt $25,000 would be better spent on projects that would enhance the community and downtown in particular.

Council members Terry Moorman, Cory Hensen, Kyle Angstrom, and David Byrd did vote to support the resolution while Kole Hilsabeck and Linda Williamson joined Stines in opposing the measure. The agreement spells out that the city will hold the funds until the receive an appropriate certified document stipulating that necessary financing for the production has been secured called greenlight status. Failure to secure the resources will negate the agreement.