Lodging Tax Advisory Committee seeks new member

WENATCHEE — Chelan County is seeking applicants for a two-year volunteer position on its Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). This committee advises the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on how lodging tax, sometimes called the “Hotel-Motel Tax,” revenue, which is generated from overnight stays in unincorporated areas, should be allocated.

LTAC is a six-member citizen board appointed by the BOCC, with two representatives from each of the three commissioner districts. Half of the members represent lodging businesses that collect these taxes (like hotels, motels or short-term rentals), while the other half represent agencies and nonprofits eligible to receive lodging tax funding. The “Hotel-Motel Tax” money generally must be used to promote tourism or acquire or operate tourism-related facilities.

Chelan County's unincorporated areas generate about $2 million a year in lodging taxes.

The current opening calls for a candidate representing a lodging-related business located within the unincorporated portion of Commissioner District 3, which covers the northeast part of the county, including a section of north Wenatchee extending northeast to Chelan and Manson. A district map is available online.

Commissioner Brad Hawkins of District 3 emphasizes the importance of the role, saying “LTAC serves a very important function, and by state law and county resolution, we have detailed requirements for membership. This particular opening is for someone representing a business located in the unincorporated portion of District 3 who pays lodging taxes, so any lodging provider located outside of our cities — from Sunnyslope to Stehekin — would be eligible for consideration.”

Hawkins is currently accepting applications for this seat and will be the one to recommend a candidate to the BOCC. All applications must be emailed to CM.LTAC@co.chelan.wa.us by 5 p.m. on June 30. Finalists will be interviewed in mid-July, with the aim of having the new member in place before LTAC's regular meeting on July 25.

The application process requires interested candidates to answer three questions regarding why they want to join, relevant past board experience, and skills and expertise applicable to the committee. The application form is also available online.

LTAC typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1–3 p.m. at 400 Douglas St., with potential for additional special meetings. The committee's primary function is to recommend the allocation of grant funding derived from lodging taxes to the BOCC, which usually happens in the fall.

“Chelan County’s tourism economy continues to be one of our most important benefits,” Hawkins said. “We hope people interested in applying are fully committed to finding ways to enhance opportunities for visitors, bringing more ‘heads to beds’ to grow lodging tax revenues to the county.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media