Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: Jan. 10, 2024

Business Meeting: Jan. 16, 2024

Summary:

Approve three additional lodging tax grants for 2024

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, LTAC members held an all-day presentation event with the applicants on November 2, 2023, then met November 8, 2023, to develop a list of 2024 funding recommendations; and

WHEREAS, on November 29, 2023, the BOCC alerted the LTAC members that the BOCC planned to change the amount being awarded to Lewis County for grant administration. The BOCC also requested the LTAC members reconvene to re-examine two applications for which the members had suggested zero funding; and

WHEREAS, the LTAC members reconvened on December 22, 2023, and recommended grant funding for two additional applicants:

• $48,000 for the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce (operations funding)
• $15,000 for Lewis County Facilities (roof repair project) 

WHEREAS, the BOCC approved grants totaling $823,995 via Resolution 24-009 on January 2, 2024, and wishes to approve three additional grants; 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 -- and authorizes contracts for -- three additional 2024 lodging tax projects as follows: 

• $48,000 for the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce (operations funding)
• $15,000 for Lewis County Facilities (roof repair project) 
• $34,400 to Lewis County for grant administration

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED combined, the three additional projects total $97,400, increasing the total 2024 lodging tax allotment to $921,395.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 16th day of January, 2024.