HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 QUILCENE FAIR AND PARADE1 | P a g e
2026 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PACKET
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION
This packet is for the 2026 TOURISM PROMOTION SERVICE PROPOSALS to be funded by
the Jefferson County Lodging Tax. Under Jefferson County guidelines, you must be a NON-
PROFIT or GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY to be eligible to be funded by the Jefferson County
Lodging Tax.
The Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee may only consider complete and signed
proposals that include all of the requested information and documents, and that are submitted by
the deadline:
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 by 4:30 P.M.
2026 Proposal Guidelines: Tourism Promotion Activities
The Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is accepting proposals from
government agencies and non-profit organizations for tourism promotion to be provided during
calendar year 2026 and paid for from the County’s lodging tax fund. The Committee will make
recommendations to the Jefferson County Commissioners within one month following the
proposal deadline. All decisions for use of the lodging tax will be made by the Jefferson County
Commissioners.
•Proposals from government agencies or non-profit organizations are to be for
tourism promotion during calendar year 2026. Please refer to Section 1 of this
packet for examples of eligible tourism promotion activities for this funding
round.
•At the time of implementation, tourism related activities within proposals must comply
with federal, state, and county laws and requirements, including county Public
Health direction. NOTE: Jefferson County may not use public funds in any way that
can be construed as a gift to an individual or organization.
•Proposals must completely address the questions, and all requested supplemental
information must be provided. Incomplete or late proposals may not be considered by
LTAC.
•To be considered, a fully completed and signed digital application (digital
signatures acceptable) must be received at afmcknight@co.jefferson.wa.us by the
deadline listed above.
•All applications must be submitted as a signal digital application in a one PDF file
attached to an email. If you need assistance combining multiple documents into a
single PDF document, please contact our office.
•All documents filed with the County are public records, potentially eligible for release.
Jefferson County is committed to the non-discriminatory treatment of all Persons in the
employment and delivery of services and resources.
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2026 Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities
Organization Name: Quilcene Fair and Parade Association
Event Name, if different: Quilcene Fair and Parade, Car Show
Proposed Contract Amount: $ 10,000 501(c)(3) ☒ (6) ☐
WA UBI Number: 601695904 EIN Number: 91-171564/
Proposals should completely address the questions, and all requested supplemental
information should be provided. Incomplete or late proposals may not be considered by the
Jefferson County LTAC.
To be eligible for consideration, your application must be signed, dated, and include the
following items in the listed order.
Check each item submitted:
☒Signed and Dated Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities.
☒Declaration of capital expenditures and operations, if applicable (Attachment A).
☒Proof of liability insurance (Attachment B)
☒Section 1 - Itemized list of proposed services and estimated costs.
☒Section 2 - Proposal Questions.
☒Section 3 - Proposed 2026 promotion, facility, event or activity budget.
☒Section 3 - 2025 organizational budget and year-to-date income and expense statement(s).
☒Section 3 - List of names and addresses of the organization’s current Board of Directors.
Name and contact information for event chairperson, if applicable.
☒Section 3 - Optional work samples such as season brochures, promotional materials, reviews,
news/magazine articles, etc. (maximum of 5 separate pieces)
To be considered, a fully completed and signed original application with supporting
documents must be electronically received and date stamped at the Jefferson County
Administrator’s Office, to Adiel McKnight @ afmcknight@co.jefferson.wa.us
by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 by 4:30 p.m. (Secure and approved file transfer links
are acceptable to accommodate large file sizes if needed.)
Documents submitted to the County are public records, potentially eligible for release.
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2026 Proposal Checklist for Tourism Promotion Activities
Proposal Deadline: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 AT 4:30 P.M.
Electronically to Email Address: afmcknight@co.jefferson.wa.us
Please type (10 point or larger) or legibly print in ink.
To be considered: all questions mustpo b be answered; all requested documents provided; this
form must be signed and dated.
Organization Name: Quilcene Fair and Parade Association
Organization Address: Po Box 761 Quilcene, Wa 98376
Contact Name: Richard Fitzgerald
Contact Address: 14 old state highway Quilcene Washington 98376
Day Phone: 360 765 3321
Evening or Cell Phone: 209 810 1629
E-Mail Address: Rfitzgerald@olycap.org
Facility/Event: (if applicable) Quilcene Fair & Parade , Car show Quilcene school
Total Lodging Tax Request: $___10,000___________________
Estimated 2026 org. operating
budget: (Incl. Lodging Tax funds) $____15,000__________________
If asking for funds for a specific
event, list other cash funding
sources and dollar amounts
budgeted for this project.
Note: This section is only due for
specific event and festival funding
requests.
Dollar Amount
Profit forward from 2025 $5000
$
$
$
$
$
Total Project Revenue Budget:
Did your organization receive Lodging Tax Funds from the County in 2025? ☒ Yes ☐ No
I understand that if my organization’s proposal for tourism promotion activities is approved by the County that my
organization will enter into a contract with the County to provide the contracted services up to the maximum
contract amount. I understand that the proposal herein is a public record potentially eligible for public release.
Sign Name: RRF Date: 09/09/2025
Print Name and Title: Richard Fitzgerald
$15000
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1. Itemized List of Proposed Tourism Promotion Services
In the following space or on a separate sheet of paper, please specify each proposed tourism
promotion, program, facility, event or activity, including quantities and costs (see examples at
bottom of page).
Tourism Promotion from May 2026 - Sept 2026 = $3,200
Getaway Guide includes DIGITAL version, plus 6 months on WA ferries - $1,200
Physical & Direct Advertising - $800
Banners, Posters, Postcards
Entertainment, Rentals & Day Of Expenses: $8200
Rental: Bathroom & handwashing stations 1,200.00
Volunteer Costs for Day Of 1,000.00
All Ages Rental: Game Truck 1,000.00
Kids Area Rental: Large Tents 1,600.00
Photographer, 200.00
Rockaraocke 3,200.00
Facebook SOCIAL MEDIA ADS - $1,200
Participants & Support for Day of Event = $4,500
Exhibit Hall = $50
Prizes, Day of Supplies & promotional materials
Kids Carnival = $800
Prizes & Games
Parade = $250
Day of Supplies
Purchase tent & banner
Raffle = $600
Mailings and Day of Supplies
= $250
Mailings and sponsor banner for day of
Car Show & Burn Out = $800
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Prizes, trophies, dash plaques & day of supplies
Volunteers = $1,000
T-shirts, Lunch/Drinks and day of supplies
Expenses to Support Event = $2500
Insurance for Day of Event = $650
Janitors Day Of = $800
Website Hosting (annually) = $300
General Administrative costs throughout the year = $450
PO Box, Postage, SOS Annual Fees, Chamber dues, supplies
Examples of how to list your proposed tourism promotion services or event (Please be as
specific AS POSSIBLE about the services, quantities, the tourism market, distribution
method, and cost):
10,000 promotional rack cards for I-5 corridor from Portland to Bellingham, April - June 2018…………$1,835
The rack cards will promote an event/hotel/restaurant promotional package.
Design and printing………………………………………………………… $1,250
Distribution by XYZ Company……………………………………………… $ 500
5 hours of staff time at $17.00 per hour to write copy, edit and proof the cards…...$ 85
1/3 page black and white event promotional advertisement in XYZ Magazine, July 2018 edition…. $1,500
XYZ Magazine has 250,000 subscribers in western and northwest states. This 1/3 -page ad
will be part of a full-page advertisement being coordinated by the VCB. XYZ Magazine will match
the value of the advertisement with a feature article on Jefferson County and the event in the same edition.
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2. Proposal Questions
Please limit your answers to no more than one page for each question.
1 Tell us about your promotion, program, facility, event or activity and why you think
it will increase tourists traveling to and staying in Jefferson County. Include a general
description of the promotion, program, facility, event or activity including its purpose,
history, etc.
The Quilcene Fair & Parade plus Car Show will be held Saturday September 19th, 2026 from
10-3 with the parade starting at 11am. All events, other than the parade held right on Hwy
101, will take place inside and outside of the Quilcene School located at 294715 Hwy 101 in
Quilcene. We cooperate with Jefferson County Sheriff and WSDOT to detour traffic along
the Hwy 101 parade route for close to an hour to allow time for the parade and community
photo in the street directly after. In addition to the parade, there is a vendor and food fair, car
show, live music, raffle, community crafts and contests and a kids carnival with games and
prizes. We are proud to donate the funds we raise that day, back to our community to groups
like Quilcene Skatepark, Weekend Nutrition Program and Quilcene Masonic Hall’s Bike for
Books program. In addition to raising funds for our local community, we also hope to
promote and highlight the beauty of Quilcene and Brinnon and the people who live here and
make it so special! Not only does our event draw new visitors from neighboring counties and
beyond, but it’s also a great day of homecoming bringing back former residents to Quilcene
from areas far and wide. With our 2021 LTAC funds, we were proud to partner with The
Production Alliance to build a brand new website that has allowed us to promote our event
all year long! With the event coming back in full force after COVID in 2022, our focus with
our LTAC funds was strengthening our partnership with Quilcene Historical Museum and
Jefferson County Farm Tour for the “Quilcene Festival Weekend.” In 2023, our LTAC funds
allowed us to add much needed new pop up tents. Because our 2024 LTAC funds were less
than expected, we greatly reduced our print advertising and focused on Facebook which has a
far reach into neighboring counties and specific target audiences. The reduction in funding
also compelled us to request specific needs as donations from our regular partners. Now, we
can also consider partners like Good Man Sanitation and The Production Alliance sponsors
because they have donated a portion of their services to us and we plan to continue these
relationships in 2025 which is reflected in our budget for restrooms & tents.
Further, we intend to continue to focus on digital and social media marketing and that is also
reflected in our 2025 budget. Our last 2 events (2023 & 24) had a noticeable increase in
attendance and that we attribute to Facebook marketing of our event and are happy to see that
the prioritization of digital media by the BoCC matches our 2025 marketing focus. In his
9/18/2024 Life in Ludlow” column, Ned Luce, noted the crowds: “ The Quilcene Fair and
Parade is coming up this weekend and if this year is like last year, success will be had again.
There was a huge crowd last year and if the weather holds it will be great. ”
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1. If this is a continuing or reoccurring promotion, program, facility or event, describe
your organization’s prior activities. If applicable, how is it different than in the
past?
Yes, this is an annual event on the 3rd Saturday of September. 2026 and will be
the 42st overall and the 20th with a car show included. Our LTAC request for 2026
is the same dollar amount that we received in 2025 and our 2026 budget and event
will be much the same as it was in 2025. In recent years, as many local nonprofits
struggle to find volunteers, we’ve found adding features to the day that don’t
require all day volunteer support (like live music, kids entertainment like a
magician and foam party) are best and hope to continue this into 2026 by adding a
feature directed towards middle/high school kids or even adults (like mini golf
Game Truck, Rockaroke, or a photo booth.)
2. How does your promotion, program, facility or event support one of the Highest
Priorities or Additional Considerations listed below under “Other Criteria” (see page
9)? The Quil
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4. cene Fair and parade is a county event that has been happening for many years there are families
and friends that look forward to this event and the promotion of this event helps promote to many
other people from across the state and further. We spend a lot of time sharing the information of
this event to ensure that people from all over can have the opportunity to hear about this event as
well as join in and be a part of it. .Promote Jefferson County and/or events, activities, and
places in the County to potential tourists from outside Jefferson County.
5. Describe how you intend to market/promote your promotion, program, facility, event
or activity to potential tourists who reside outside Jefferson County or traveling more
than 50 miles.
a. If an event, the date of the event: Saturday Sept. 19th, 2026
b. The timeline for the tourism promotion activity you are proposing (e.g. May through
July, 226). May - September, 2026
c. Target Audience
Long weekend tourists , mostly young to middle age couples with or without children,
from neighboring counties and beyond who are generally the adventurer type and like to
explore small towns and hike, shop and eat out. We also hope to draw mature car show
enthusiasts from all over the state and parade participants from local and neighboring
county organizations who have parade floats and royalty. Our target audience is not only
interested in our event but in traveling to our area to explore our small towns, forests and
seas, family businesses and wholesome events. Also, hometown loyalists who have
moved away will find it the perfect time to visit friends and family members back home.
Our community event brings former residents back to town for the day, long weekend or
week, because they know it’ll be a fun time to visit and other people they know will be
back home visiting too.
b. Promotion methods you intend to use to reach the target audience.
Our primary methods will be Facebook ads boosting posts on Facebook ads an
advertisement in the getaway guide which is a full page color advertisement which is
included in a digital version as well as banners postcards and other Flyers.
c. Describe how you will promote overnight stays at Jefferson County lodging
establishments.
By showing this is an amazing event where people who used to live here have a
reason to come and stay again where people who have not visited would be able to
enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as multitudes of other things to do through the
weekend as well as this event by also having the event on a weekend giving them the
opportunity to come in earlier and leave later.
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d. If you intend to collaborate with another agency or non-profit to provide these
services, please state the name of the organization and describe the nature of the
collaboration: There are many collaborations that happen through this event from
the product alliance a nonprofit from Port Townsend that specializes in community
events. Working with groups like Gifts in Kind a great organization that provides
items for people in need as well as some of the toys that have been donated as
prizes for the kids carnival. We also work with groups like Count me in for
Quilcene Which is a nonprofit organization that donates a lot of time and energy in
helping all sorts of different groups and people from all around Quilcene WA.
1. How will you measure the effectiveness of your promotion, program, facility, event
or activity?
This year we will be working on a questionnaire that will inform us on where they
heard about the fair or of any of the hotels in the area to ensure we have better
knowledge of where they're receiving information and how we can move forward to
provide a better understanding of how to promote this in a more productive way
e. Also, describe how you will document and report to the County the economic
impact from your promotion, program, facility, event or activity. (State law
requires the County to report annually to the State Department of Community
Development and Economic Trade about the number of lodging stays and economic
benefit from tourists generated by use of Lodging Tax proceeds for tourism
promotion.)
We will continue to have a simple written Attendance Survey at our Information or
Raffle Booth during our event to get a sampling of those attending. Our survey asks
attendees questions similar to the State required Lodging Tax Reporting Form
submitted annually by the end of February. Additionally, we speak to our local
business owners to get a feel for how
their business was that day and typically there is follow up news coverage in The
Leader that will describe the attendance. In 2023, Quilbilly’s Restaurant &
Taproom shared on Facebook that the Fair & Parade day was their busiest day ever!
In the words of Ned Luce'sLife in Ludlow” 9/27/2023 column in The Leader: “
Quilcene had it all on a recent weather-perfect Saturday. The Quilcene Fair &
Parade satisfied all of your needs with a car show, a football game, a "burnout",
craft booths, food trucks, live music and a parade. And yes, there were several
thousand folks cheering it on! ”
2. What economic impact can we expect in Jefferson County from your proposed
promotion, program, facility, event or activity?
f. Actual or estimated number of tourists at your event/facility last year (2025): 1500
g. Estimated number of tourists who will attend your event/facility this year (2026):
2000
h. Projected economic impact in Jefferson County from your event/facility (e.g.
number of tourists who will stay overnight in Jefferson County-based lodging
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establishments; economic impact for Jefferson County restaurants, community
facilities, amenities, events, and businesses).
It is projected that our event will increase brick & mortar local business sales
including restaurant sales, plus general tourist traffic to our area, as well as
overnight stays and return visits by tourists. Quilcene is packed full of people on
Fair & Parade Day! As stated earlier, in his 9/18/2024 “Life in Ludlow” column,
Ned Luce, noted the crowds: “ The Quilcene Fair and Parade is coming up this
weekend and if this year is like last year, success will be had again. There was a
huge crowd last year and if the weather holds it will be great. ” Retail and food
sales for our vendors at the Fair will also be positively economically impacted. In
addition, many non-profits fundraise at their fair booth and Jefferson County
businesses are able to advertise themselves to locals who will be attending and
potentially use their services. At the 2024 Quilcene Fair, Jefferson County PUD
held a celebration of high-speed rural fiber internet at their Fair booths, including a
fiber network ribbon cutting (see D5) and taking attendees on a local fiber tour to
see the efforts the public utility has made to bring fiber to Quilcene. Kunz Pest
Solutions, a new business formed in April 2024 who services the Olympic
Peninsula area, was able to advertise for free by participating in the parade.
Additionally, the local non-profits that we donate the proceeds of our day of
fundraising (raffle/kids/car show) are all located in Jefferson County. The Quilcene
Fair & Parade will donate at least $3,500 from our 2026 event!
3. Describe your organization’s area of expertise. Do you provide a unique service?
We provide a unique small town tradition that has often been lost in larger towns or cities
around Washington State and our country. Our small town event allows for tourists to come and
experience small town pride, wholesome family fun and local businesses, as well the natural
beauty of Quilcene and the Olympic National Forest. The Quilcene Fair & Parade, plus Car Show,
is a unique opportunity to highlight South Jefferson County’s natural resources and its people
and places.
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2025 Quilcene Fair & Parade Overall Budget
Income - LTAC Grant 10,000.00
Income - Profit Forward from 2024 6,700.00
TOTAL Income 16,700.00
***Donation Goal - $3,500
Biz Expenses: $3000
Expense - Insurance for Day of (based on last year) 650.00
Expense - Website, Annually - payable in Nov 300.00
Expense - Administrative Costs (PO Box, Biz supplies) 450.00
Expense - Sponsors (letters, postage) 200.00
Entertainment, Rentals & Day Of Expenses: $8200
Expense - Rental: Bathroom & handwashing stations (w/ Good Man
Sponsorship) 1,200.00
Expense - Volunteer Costs for Day Of (Tshirts for all, other supplies) 1,000.00
Expense - All Ages Rental: Game Truck (have invoice) 1,000.00
Expense - Kids Area Rental: Large Tents (price confirmed 1/29) Have Invoice 1,600.00
Expense - Photographer, Day of (Wrens Lens, price confirmed 1/21, have
Invoice) 200.00
Expense - Rockaraocke PLUS Hospitality: (pay online)
Purchaser to provide band green room $200 or break area, meals and
drinks for 6 persons (5 band & 1 crew) 3,200.00
Advertising: $3,400
Expense - Facebook Advertising - Event $500, Car Show $200 + Boost posts 800.00
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Expense - Physical Advertising (Flyer ?, Post Cards - done, Posters ?, Banners
?) 800.00
Expense - Sept ad - ordered, $500 - need invoice 400.00
Expense - Advertising/Ads, full page Getaway Guide w/ The Leader (price
conf. 1/29) 1,400.00
COMMITTEE AREAS COSTS: $2,700
Expense - Kids 900.00
Expense - Car Show 900.00
Expense - Vendors 400.00
Expense - Parade (Queen/King stuff, food, drinks & lunch) 250.00
Expense - Info Desk 50.00
Expense - Raffle 200.00
Expense - Janitors for Day Of & night before 800.00
Total Expense: 16,700.00
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Staff/ board
Richard Fitzgerald* 209-810-1629 rfitzgerald@olycap.org President 14 Old State Highway
Quilcene 98376
Amanda Worley 360-908-0667 mandarworley@gmail.com VP 6720 A oak bay rd port Ludlow
98365
Linda Lindquist* 360-774-6855 lindalee_63@hotmail.com Secretary & Kid's Carnival
PO Box 531 Quilcene, WA 98376
Shonna Wilkerson* 360-990-3665 notaryshonna@gmail.com Treasurer PO Box 385 Quilcene,
WA 98376
3. Background Information about Your Organization
Attach the following items to your proposal in the order listed:
(Note: To be considered by the Committee, all of the listed information must be included with
your proposal.)
Attachments:
• Projected 2026 promotion, program, facility, event or activity budget including income and
expenses. (Please note: if an LTAC award is granted at a different than requested, you will
be asked to submit a revised budget prior to contract approval.)
• 2025 Budget and Actual income and expenses year to date statement(s) (for example, Profit
& Loss and Balance Sheets).
• List of names and addresses of the organization’s Board of Directors as of the date the
proposal is filed. Also, if the proposal is for the marketing of an event and there is a
chairperson for the event (either volunteer or paid), list that individual’s name, address and
phone number.
• If you desire, you may provide samples of promotional and/or design materials such as
brochures, artist renderings, graphics, etc. (recommended 1-10 samples.)
Note: Staff will verify Incorporation status of the non-profit agencies who submit service
proposals by checking the Washington Secretary of State’s on-line corporation records.
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2026 LTAC Opportunity Information
1. Jefferson County’s Proposal Process -
The Jefferson County LTAC solicits service proposals each year. The proposal form is attached,
posted on the County’s website, www.co.jefferson.wa.us and may also be requested by calling the
Jefferson County Commissioner’s Office at the Courthouse, (360) 385-9102.
This year, the Committee will review proposals on September 30, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Applicants are asked to attend the September 30, 2025 meeting beginning at 10:30 a.m. The
County will provide meeting information for all complete applications. At that meeting, each
proposing agency will answer questions from the Committee regarding their proposal. The
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of County
Commissioners regarding which proposals to fund, and at what funding levels within available
revenues.
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The review of the LTAC recommendations and final decision about how to use the lodging tax
monies is made by the County Commissioners. Each agency will be notified of the status of their
proposal. Contracts are prepared by the County and sent to agencies.
2. Available Funding for 2026
Organizations submitting proposals should be aware that a total of approximately $900,000 in
lodging tax awards will be available for allocation to eligible tourism promotion activities through
this RFP. This amount also includes $5,280 in staff administrative costs to manage the grants and
to process invoices, and $10,000 contingency fund for Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center.
County Ordinance 09-1207-98 provides for distribution of Lodging Tax as follows:
• The lodging tax funds are to be used for targeted and/or regional promotion, the operation
and maintenance of organizations operating tourist related facilities and their costs for local
promotional activities.
• Not more than 25% for the development of tourism related facilities.
3. Definitions
By state law, lodging tax funds may only be used for tourism promotion and the acquisition and/or
operation, including maintenance, of tourism-related facilities. The following definitions are
copied verbatim from RCW 67.28.080. Note: State law changed in 2007 to include “operation” of
tourism events in the definition of “tourism promotion.”
"Tourism" means economic activity resulting from tourists, which may include sales of
overnight lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs.
"Tourist" means a person who travels from a place of residence to a different town, city,
county, state, or country, for purposes of business, pleasure, recreation, education,
arts, heritage, or culture.
"Tourism promotion" means activities, operations, and expenditures designed to increase tourism,
including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise
distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming
tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism; operating tourism
promotion agencies; and funding the marketing of special events and
festivals designed to attract tourists.
“Tourism-related means real or tangible personal property with a usable life of three or more
facility” years, or constructed with volunteer labor that is: (a)(i) Owned by a public
entity; (ii) owned by a nonprofit organization described under section
501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended; or (iii)
owned by a nonprofit organization described under section 501(c)(6) of the
federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, a business organization,
destination marketing organization, main street organization, lodging
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association, or chamber of commerce and (b) used to support tourism,
performing arts, or to accommodate tourist activities.
4. Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Jefferson County Policy Statement for Use of the Lodging Tax
Jefferson County’s Lodging Tax Fund will be the primary source of county funding for activities,
operations, and expenditures designed to increase tourism. The County does not make any multi-
year commitments with Lodging Tax funds. However, service providers are not limited or
prohibited from making repeat annual requests of the same nature. The County intends to maintain
a reserve in the Fund, and will assess on an annual basis how much of the Fund to appropriate in
a given year. The Jefferson County Commissioners have created a Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee to conduct an annual process to solicit and recommend Lodging Tax funded services
for the County Commissioners consideration. Jefferson County will only consider proposals for
use of the Lodging Tax from public and non-profit agencies.
The Fund will ONLY be used for the following purposes:
1. The promotion of emerging or on-going tourism events, facilities, and activities by
government or non-profit agencies so as to attract and draw tourists to unincorporated
Jefferson County from outside Jefferson County.
2. Operation of a tourism promotion agency (such as a visitor and convention bureau);
3. The marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists to unincorporated
Jefferson County from outside Jefferson County.
4. Capital and/or operating costs for tourism facilities owned by a public entity or a non-profit
organization as defined in State law RCW 67.28.080.1(7) – Tourism Related Facility.
5. Administrative costs to support tourism events, facilities and activities.
Other Criteria
HIGHEST PRIORITIES will be given to tourism activities that reflect those defined by the
Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners per the memo “BoCC priorities for
2025 LTAC RFP” dated October 14, 2024:
1. Destination development, such as supporting a Public Facilities District to build a pool,
public campground improvements, and developing the Gateway VIC are examples of the
allowed use listed in RCW 67.28.1816 and represent our county’s top priority after an
extended period of de-emphasizing this type of investment.
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2. “The marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract
tourists,” as listed in the RCW is our second priority, continuing years of investment in
event marketing.
3. Destination marketing, often called “Tourism Marketing” is our lowest priority for 2025
Lodging tax funding.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
■ Promote Jefferson County and/or events, activities, and places in the County to potential
tourists from outside Jefferson County.
■ Have demonstrated potential or high potential from the Committee’s perspective to result
in overnight stays by tourists in lodging establishments within the unincorporated areas
Jefferson County.
■ Have demonstrated potential or high potential from the Committee’s perspective to result
in documented economic benefit to Jefferson County.
■ Have a demonstrated history of success in Jefferson County, or are proposed by a group
with a demonstrated history or high potential of success with similar activities.
■ Minimize duplication of services where appropriate and encourage cooperative marketing
and/or includes an element of cooperation or partnership.
■ Provide, maintain, operate, or enhance County-owned tourism facilities or infrastructure.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
▪ On or before April 30, 2026 (Q1); July 31, 2026 (Q2); October 31, 2026 (Q3); and January
31, 2027 (Q4), provide to the COUNTY:
• A quarterly report of the use, services, programs and activities of
organization for the quarter under this Agreement;
• A quarterly financial statement detailing revenues, expenses and cash
balances for the quarter; and for the final quarter report, the financial
statement shall also include a detailed year to date financial statement .
1. Upon execution of this agreement, provide to the COUNTY:
• A billing invoice requesting payment of Hotel-Motel Funding.
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2. For a minimum of six (6) years, maintain documented proof of payments made, contracts
executed, and other expenditures authorized under this Agreement. Upon reasonable notice,
provide access to County or State representatives to audit those records.
3. Funding provided by this Agreement may only be expended on the services described in
Section 1 of this Agreement. Any monies used for other services or purposes shall be refunded to
Jefferson County Hotel/Motel Fund. Any monies under-expended of the total funding allocated
under this Agreement shall be refunded to Jefferson County by January 31, 2027.
4. By February 28th of each year provide the following information by reference for the previous
year.
a. Each festival, event, or tourism facility owned and/or operated by organization.
b. The amount of lodging tax revenue allocated for expenditure (whether actually
expended or not) by organization on each festival, event or tourism facility.
c. Estimated number of tourists served at each festival, event or tourism facility.
d. Estimated lodging stays. (“Lodging” refers to commercial lodging such as hotels,
motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, or commercial campgrounds).
e. Measurements that demonstrate the impact of increased tourism attributable to the
event, festival or facility.
5. Scheduled Site Visits may be conducted as part of the evaluation process at the Committee’s
discretion.
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LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS
In developing its recommendations, the Committee considers:
■ The estimated amount of lodging tax receipts for the coming year provided by the County
Administrator’s Office.
■ Operational adaptations or pivots that ensure future organizational success of tourism
related activities and promotion.
■ Thoroughness and completeness of the proposal.
■ The relationship of proposed services to the areas of high priority identified by the
Committee.
■ Percent of the proposal request to the event/facility promotions budget and overall
revenues.
■ Percent of increase over prior year Jefferson County Lodging Tax funded proposal if any.
■ Projected economic impact within the unincorporated Jefferson County, in particular
projected overnight stays to be generated in lodging establishments in the unincorporated
areas of Jefferson County.
■ Requirements in State law for use of the tax, and the definitions in State RCW 67.28.080
for “tourism,” “tourist,” “tourism promotion,” and “tourism-related facility.”
■ The applicant’s history of promotion success, reporting history and financial stability.
■ Committee member general knowledge of the community and tourism-related activities.
NOT CONSIDERED are requests for:
■ Services to be provided beyond calendar year 2026.
■ Proposals from for-profit businesses (however, a government or nonprofit agency
contracting with the County may itself contract with for-profit businesses as third-party
vendors).
■ Promotional activities that reach a target audience solely traveling from less than a 50-mile
radius.
NOTE:
1. On February 2, 2006, the State of Washington Attorney General’s Office issued Opinion
#AGO 2006 #4, which clarifies that a municipality may NOT provide advance payment
to private organizations for tourism promotion. Payment must occur after the services have
been performed and documentation in keeping with the contract is submitted to the County.
2. The County may not pay for donated or volunteer services or pay more than the actual cost
incurred by the contracting agency to provide the service.
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5. Background Information
Jefferson County’s Lodging Tax
The Lodging Tax is an excise (sales) tax authorized by State law in RCW 67.28, Public Stadium,
Convention, Arts and Tourism Facilities.
In 1998, the State Legislature amended Chapter 67.28 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
to allow local governments to assess an additional 2% tax on lodging for tourism promotion and/or
tourism-related facilities (sometimes referred to as “the new 2%”). In April 1999, the County
Commission, by Ordinance, increased the County's Lodging Tax from a 2% to a 4% tax as allowed
by RCW 67.28.
Jefferson County’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Per RCW 67.28.1817, the State requires that local governments collecting the Lodging Tax
establish a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee consisting of at least five (5) members:
The Chair – a member of the County Commission or their designee
2 members – representing the lodging industry
2 members – representing activities authorized to be funded by said tax
The Committee’s role is advisory in nature, with the Committee’s purpose being to advise the
County Commissioners. The Committee must select the candidates from amongst the applicants
applying for use of revenues and provide a list of such candidates and recommended amounts of
funding to the County Commissioners for final determination.
In 1998, the Jefferson County Commissioners created such a Committee, and asked the Committee
to establish an annual process to solicit and review proposals for tourism services eligible for
lodging tax funding. Committee members are appointed by the County Commissioners as part of
the County’s regular advisory committee appointment process.
For additional information, contact:
County Administrator’s Office
Jefferson County Courthouse
1820 Jefferson Street
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Ph: 360-385-9102
e-mail: afmcknight@co.jefferson.wa.us
- END -
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ATTACHMENT A
Declaration of Capital Expenditures and Operations
1. The total amount of my request for LTAC funding is: $_____10,000_________________
2. Of the total listed in Paragraph 1, above:
a. The amount requested for capital expenditures is: $______
b. The requested capital expenditures are for:
3. Of the total amount listed in Paragraph 1, above:
a. The total amount requested for operations is: $________________________________
b. The requested operations expenditures are for:
I declare under penalty of perjury under the law of Washington that the foregoing representation
about the capital expenditures and operations is true and correct.
Signed on this 10 day of September 2025 (date) (month) (year)
at Quilcene Wa.98376
(city or other location, and state or country)
Richard Fitzgerald
(Printed Name)
RRF
(Signature)
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ATTACHMENT B
Insurance Certificate
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