HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/05/05 Mason County
4a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
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Workshop Minutes
Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton,WA 98584
May 5, 2025 —5:30 p.m.
Workshop was held in-person. Members in attendance: Chair Sharon Trask,Mark Neary,McKenzie
Smith,Rachel Hansen,Duane Wilson, Deidre Peterson,John DeLeva,Taylor Jacobs, Greg Oldham,
Elizabeth Arbaugh,Diane Zoren, and Kerry London Meyers.
Meeting called to order at 5:34 p.m.
Funding Formulas
Duane would like to keep the current funding formulas but take a small percentage from each to go
towards the Welcome Center reserve. Deidre suggested 25%for visitor and tourism services, 65% for the
director of tourism, and 10%for the Welcome Center and reserves. If the expectation is to increase days
and staffing for VICs,the budget must reflect that. Diane added that funding amounts are based on the
previous year's revenue. Rachel suggested set dollar amounts instead of percentages.
Visitor Information Centers(VICs)Oversight and Accountability
Duane requested VICs report to the Director of Tourism Support and provide a report monthly. If funded,
VICs should have more open hours. Sharon also encouraged more oversight. John would like to have a
provision added that VICs are obliged to train local businesses to guide visitors effectively. Rachel is also
encouraging VICs and businesses to use the WildSideWA iPads.
Request for Proposal(RFP) Structure, Scope of Work, and Criteria
Diane reminded the LTAC that they are responsible for recommending the contracts and funding amount
and the Board of County Commissioner(BOCC)will either approve or deny the recommendation,the
BOCC cannot change the funding amount. Rachel requested funding for the WildSideWA app be included
in the contract because it requires maintenance. Taylor recommended that there be a specific line in the
RFP and contract stating that app must be maintained. Deidre included that if the contract is not being
fulfilled, it should not be paid. Diane shared that the scope of work states what is expected. Rachel would
like to ensure that the scope of work is fully comprehensive. However,narrowing the scope of work too
much will limit creativity. The Services that Support Tourism RFP should be broken down more as well
as have accountability and criteria. Deidre suggested adding"and/or Cultural Attractions"to be able to
include the museum and other cultural attractions.Taylor requested that applicants provide measures that
will show the impact of their performance. John asked that key performance indicators(KPIs)be included
and tracked.
McKenzie asked that the LTAC submit specific criteria and changes they wish to see in the RFPs.
Mason Lake Feasibility Study
Mark shared the County is currently in the process of a feasibility study for the Mason Lake campground.
This study will include Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)improvements,potential revenue, status of
infrastructure,projected fees,needed capital improvements, and possible activities. Potential funding
ideas were discussed. Rachel added that the Mason Lake campground is a legacy property.
ATTEST: LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Clerk Chair
LTAC:May 5,2025 1 Page 2 of 2