Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Nov. 23, 2022

Business Meeting: Nov. 29, 2022

Summary:

Approve 2023 lodging tax grants

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Lodging tax recipients

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 67.28.128, the county receives a distribution of the state retail sales tax on lodging in Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, an organization is eligible to apply for a portion of the “Tourism Promotion Funds” if its project or activity promotes tourism in Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, multiple organizations submitted applications to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) to request funding for events, projects and activities that promote tourism; and

WHEREAS, the LTAC members held an all-day presentation event with the applicants on Sept. 30, 2022, then developed a list of recommendations regarding how the county should allocate lodging tax funds for 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in an open public meeting Oct. 10, 2022, reviewed the LTAC members' recommendations, provided preliminary approval of the LTAC members' recommendations and directed staff to move forward with grant agreements with the applicants; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC met in an open public meeting Nov. 21, 2022, and removed one project from consideration after determining it did not meet the statutory requirements for funding; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Lewis County that lodging tax funds be authorized in order to allow the promotion of tourism.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC approves 2023 funding in the amount of $721,200 for the events / projects listed in Exhibit A, attached; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the BOCC approves the 2023 tourism contracts for the events / projects listed in Exhibit A.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 29th day of November, 2022.