2015-11-16 LTAC Public Information MeetingLTAC Public Information Meeting
November 16, 2015
5:00 pm
Present: Commissioners Fund, Stamper and Schulte, various citizens
Reporter: Karri Muir
Commissioner Fund called the meeting to order.
Lodging tax in Lewis County is collected for people staying overnight under 30 days. The funds are
basically divided in thirds. We only get the amounts by zip codes and not by lodging establishments. We
previously thought we did not get much funding from areas in west Lewis County. In fact we do receive
funding from those other areas in unincorporated Lewis County.
The LTAC board is comprised of recipients of the funds and the people who generate the funds. Our
committee is comprised of eight members plus the chair, whom is a commissioner. When we look at the
applications we look at if they serve all of Lewis County. When you look at the votes, there were many
different ways the applicantions were voted on.
Once the LTAC gives the Commissioners the recommendation they can give the applicants the amount
recommended or zero funding.
Commissioner Stamper stated he was interested in who received the funding. He asked a lot of
question, specifically, is this funding promoting and growing businesses or is it an entitlement program.
There was approximately $520,000 in funds that were asked for and we had approximately $281,000 to
give out. He also looked at the volunteers it took to put on an event. He looked at the applications to see
if they were promoting all of Lewis County. It was a difficult process and you have to make a decision
and move on.
Commissioner Schulte stated he looks at it if the funding provided brings in people and does it support
all of Lewis County.
Commissioner Fund stated that Discover Lewis County (DLC) was the only applicant that applied that
supported all of Lewis County. Last August DLC was given a grant to make a website. They have created
a website and are helping other organizations with website design and various social media.
Commissioner Fund stated that there is money in the Lodging Tax Fund. The Budget Office let us know
that we need money in reserves to pay applicants. Next year we are looking for innovative projects. She
noted that the Fat Tire event is something like we are looking for. We encourage people to collaborate
with each other on their events.
Commissioner Schulte asked about the appointments to the LTAC. He understands that the terms have
expired and we are not going to reconvene at this time.
WA Bluegrass Association asked if an audit next year or a financial report? Commissioner Fund stated
we will be if the applicant has not had one in the past few years. Commissioner Schulte stated if it is a
small amount a financial review will be okay. If it is a larger amount a full audit will be required. A
Commissioner may say that an audit is required for an applicant to get their vote.
Commissioner Fund stated we are looking for an arm’s length view. Accountants will know what this.
Annalee Tobey-stated they were given their instructions that a financial review was the only thing
required. She is confused because there are two different rules. Commissioner Schulte stated there are
two different board with different views. He met with two members of the WP Scenic Byway and they
were told about this. He noted that the members were Maree Lerchen and April Doolittle. Annalee
stated that these are not members of WP Scenic Byway. They are both on Visit Rainer Boards. She
stated these are two different organizations, WP Scenic Byway and Visit Rainier.
Annalee Tobey-feels that spending money on Discover Lewis County is outside the Lodging Tax Laws.
She asked if they were promoting tourism in Lewis County or outside a 50-mile radius. Commissioner
Fund stated that DLC is an ambassador for Lewis County. She feels it is important for everyone to work
together to promote Lewis County.
Mary Kay Nelson-Visit Rainier/WP Scenic Byway, noted in December 2014 she received a call noting that
she was not going to be funded. They were concerned about why. At this time one of her board
members, April Doolittle came and spoke to Commissioner Schulte regarding not receiving funding. She
gave information to the Commissioners that showed an audit. They were surprised this year when the
same mandate was given to the WP Scenic Byway. She knows it is confusing with the two different
organizations.
Harry Bhagwandin discussed the criteria for scoring, he asked is there an opportunity for the public to
be involved in the scoring tool? He would like to add criteria to make the process fair. Commissioner
Fund asked the LTAC members how it worked this year and we welcome other input in the process.
Meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm