HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/03/19 MASON COUNTY LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
March 19, 2013
Attendance: Beverly Voss-Petredis, David Wagner, Greg Oldham and Terri Jeffreys were in
attendance. Jean Farmer was absent.
1. The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.
2. Voss-Petred is/Wagner moved and seconded to approve the January 10, 2013
regular meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Review Lodging Tax Grant Application for the Mason Area Fair.
Leil-ani Dixon and Leeann Gunter spoke on behalf of the Fair. They felt that it was important
to keep the event going to support the youth in the community. They especially need
funding for advertisement.
The Committee scored the event at a 15, which is the minimum amount to qualify. They
thought that it was an important event to the community.
Wagner/Voss-Petredis moved and seconded to approve the Mason Area Fair's
application in the amount of$15,000. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Report on contract changes for Visitor Information Services - Cmmr. Jeffreys explained that
based on an audit by the State, the County decided to go to a contract for services instead of
individual expenditure reimbursements for the Visitor Information Centers. It creates more
accountability for the Visitor Information Centers to provide the services stated in their
Lodging Tax applications.
5. First Quarter Report for Joint Tourism Promotion - Heidi McCutcheon provided the report.
She noted that commercials are currently running on Comcast and in Western Washington
cinemas. She also gave an overview of the changes to the Explore Hood Canal website.
6. Public Comment - proposed change of use for Lodging Tax Funds - Cmmr. Jeffreys clarified
that the proposal would begin in 2014. She had notified previous members of the Committee
and past recipients of the Lodging Tax grants of the proposal and solicited input. There was
not a lot of feedback. Bluegrass from the Forest did submit written comments. They were
concerned about the cost of overhead that would be associated with the proposal.
Mr. Wagner wanted to see the awards for individual festivals and events continue with the
RFP process in place for general tourism marketing.
The Committee discussed the proposal and the need for continuity in tourism promotion
services. There was discussion on the amount of money needed for general tourism
promotion and contracting out those services.
7. Committee discussion - next steps—The Committee suggested that Lodging Tax money be
divided among the following areas for 2014: An RFP process for countywide general tourism
promotion, event and festival grants and new events and festivals. Funding for Visitor
Information Services will need additional discussion. How to divide up the estimated revenue
among these areas will also need further discussion.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2
March 19, 2013
8. Schedule next meeting date - When necessary.
9. The meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
Shannon Goudy, LTAC Clerk Chairperson