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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes
November 23, 2015 Budget Presentation
Jefferson County Commissioners Chambers - 3:30 p.m.
Attendees: Debbie Wardrop, Bill Tennent, Larry McKeehan, and Kathleen Kler
(Kyle Forgey was absent)
Staff: County Administrator Philip Morley and Executive Assistant Leslie Locke
Chair Kler called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION
re: 2016 Lodging Tax Funding
Allocation Request: The members discussed the process for awarding Lodging tax funds.
The members discussed the following concerns regarding 2016 Lodging tax funding requests:
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce (JCCC): The Committee discussed allocating the funds
as follows:
$3,698 Getaway Guide
$9,750 Chamber Map
$2,500 Movie night
Delete website expansion $4,773
Delete Entryway sign $10,000 (item could be resubmitted during the supplemental budget
process)
Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC): The Committee members liked the idea of a conversion
study, however they are not sure if funding should be allocated to other applicants prior to
money being allocated to this request.
Quilcene/Brinnon Dollars for Scholars: Over the last three (3) years, participation in the Oyster
Half Marathon has decreased. The Committee discussed allocating a lesser amount than
requested by Quilcene/Brinnon Dollars for Scholars and suggested that event organizers find a
way to: 1) measure overnight lodging; 2) change the event date; and 3) get help with organizing
the event. The Committee would like to see those suggestions implemented in an effort to
increase lodging tax revenues.
Centrum: This non-profit group is located inside the City of Port Townsend at Fort Worden.
There is concern that the County would not benefit from lodging tax revenues if guests stay
inside the city limits. 20% of Centrum workshop participants stay overnight.
Emerald Towns Alliance (ETA): The Committee discussed the fact that the ETA request was
incomplete. Without a complete packet the Committee concurred that they are unable to award
funding to the ETA at this time.
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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Minutes: November 23, 2015
North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce (NHCCC): The Committee discussed the NHCCC’s
request for a 10% increase in staff wages.
Member Wardrop moved to approve the following recommendation for allocation Lodging tax
funds:
Final 2016 LTAC Funding Recommendation:
Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS): $58,447
Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center/JCHS: $59,500
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce: $15,948
North Hood Canal Chamber: $52,350
Tourism Coordinating Council: $120,000
Forks Chamber of Commerce: $27,075
Quilcene Historical Museum: $15,495
Quilcene/Brinnon Dollars for Scholars: $3,000
Emerald Towns Alliance: $0
Centrum: $15,000
Port Ludlow Festival Association: $5,400
TCC Conversion Study $12,500
Capital Contingency – Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center $5,000
Member McKeehan seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Member Wardrop requested that all funding recipients provide a quarterly report to be disbursed
to the LTAC members. This requirement will be incorporated into each of the agreements with
all funding recipients.
The Committee concurred to meet in January to discuss a work program.
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Leslie Locke
Executive Assistant
Jefferson County Commissioners Office
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