Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Dec. 27, 2023

Business Meeting: Jan. 2, 2024

Summary:

Approve 2024 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 Nov. 2, 2023, then met Nov. 8, 2023, to develop a list of recommendations regarding how the county should allocate lodging tax funds for 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in an open public meeting Nov. 20, 2023, and

• Reviewed the LTAC members' recommendations
• Provided preliminary approval of the LTAC members' recommendations regarding the projects listed on Exhibit A and directed staff to prepare grant agreements accordingly
• Directed staff to notify the LTAC members of the BOCC's plan to provide additional funding to Lewis County to cover grant administration
• Directed staff to request the LTAC members reconvene to re-examine applications submitted by the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce (operations funding) and Lewis County Facilities (roof repair project)

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 2024 funding in the amount of $823,995 for the events / projects listed in Exhibit A (attached); and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the BOCC approves the 2024 tourism contracts for the events / projects listed in Exhibit A.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 2nd day of January, 2024.