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Mason County
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
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Minutes
Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton,WA 98584
April 16, 2025 —9:00 a.m.
Meeting was held hybrid—in-person and via Zoom. Members in attendance: Chair Sharon Trask,Mark
Neary,McKenzie Smith,Jennifer Beierle,Rachel Hansen,Duane Wilson,Deidre Peterson,John DeLeva,
Taylor Jacobs, Greg Oldham, and Elizabeth Arbaugh. Absent: Stephanie Rowland
1. Chair Trask called the meeting to order.
2. Approval of the January 15,2025 Meeting Minutes
Deidre/Duane moved and seconded to approve the January 15,2025 meeting minutes with the
clarification that Real Estate Excise Tax(REET) funds could be used for Mason Lake but not to
service debt. Motion carried.
3. 1St Quarter Reports from NEO and VICs
Rachel,NW Event Organizers(NEO), discussed the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues
that were sold to the Museum. The hope is to transfer ownership to the County and have Rachel
house,maintain, and transport the statues. Concerns arose around the statues not being available
for events as well as insurance definitions and requirements. Sharon will discuss this with the
County's Risk Management and legal teams.
Rachel shared the tourism report which included LTAC revenues,website traffic and referrals,
socials, events attended, and projects and goals.Two workshops have been successfully hosted,
and the next project is"refreshing"the caboose every few months.
Deidre, Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, shared the Pt quarter report. Highlights
included volunteers taking on additional hours for visitors and the Forest Service not having
enough inventory to provide more maps and passes.
Taylor inquired about reduced visitor counts from Canada and asked how to better market to that
area.John shared that it is most effective to personalize the experience and acknowledge current
events happening.
Elizabeth,Mason County Historical Society Museum, shared it was a busy winter with just under
600 visitors. Highlights included a birthday event for the former director,new exhibits, and
updated walking tour maps.
Greg,North Mason Chamber of Commerce,provided the 1St quarter report which included the
Chamber's Annual Gala and Award Ceremony,new President and CEO Kerry London Meyers,
and Belfair Visitor Center/Chamber of Commerce visitors;Union Visitor Center visitors; and
Belfair Licensing Office transactions and products. Greg also touched on short-term rental
regulations.
4. Review of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Membership
Memberships are set to expire May 31,2025.
5. Committee Appointments or Reappointments
Taylor Jacobs was appointed as a Generator.
6. Review of 2025 Goals
Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce,NEO, and Mason County Historical Society
Museum goals were reviewed and discussed. Key discussions included Visitor Information
Center(VIC)hours, goals being focused on contracted work, and providing an update on goals
each quarter.
7. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Tourism Development and Marketing/Small Festival
Support
Jennifer shared the 2025 budget is $1,099,307. Deidre asked about the Welcome Center reserves
that are sitting in the cash balance and shared a rough draft RFP for 2026-2027. Rachel mentioned
the tourism progressive web app is under the VICs. Duane suggested a special meeting to have a
roundtable discussion on the RFPs. This meeting will be held on Monday,May 5,2025 at 5:30
p.m. at Hood Canale.
8. Other Business
Rachel shared that the LTAC should take a formal stance around short-term rentals. Mark added
the focus is on code enforcement holding individuals accountable, currently there is limited code
enforcement.
9. Public Comment
No public comment.
10. Calendar
The next meeting is May 5,2025 at 5:30 p.m.
11. Meeting was adjourned at 11:42 a.m.
ATTEST: LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
/s/ /s/
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Clerk Chair
LTAC:April 16,2025 1 Page 2 of 2