|
Proposal Process for 2009 - DEADLINE IS PASSED FOR 2009.
The City of Olympia expects to have about $200,000 available for tourism promotion and tourism facility service contracts in 2009.
2009 Proposals
2009 Lodging Tax Proposal Calendar
Committee Agenda and Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5:30 p.m. - Annual Information Workshop at the Phoenix Inn in downtown Olympia
Monday, September 29, 2008, Noon - Proposals due at Olympia City Hall
Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 p.m. - Committee Reviews Proposals, City of Olympia Associates Building Conference Room, 825 Legion Way.
Wednesday, October 22, 3:00 p.m. - Committee Develops Recommendations, Olympia City Hall Conference Room, 900 Plum Street SE
REVISED DATE - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 - City Council Public Hearing on 2009 Budget including Lodging Tax, City Council Chambers, 900 Plum Street SE. The Council's meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. Public Hearings start no later than 8:00 p.m.
December 2008 - City Council adopts 2009 budget, including Lodging Tax appropriations
By end of December 2008 - All proposers notified of status
January 2009 - City sends service contracts to awarded agencies |
 |
| Quick Links
|
|
The Lodging Tax is an excise (sales) tax authorized by State law in RCW 67.28, Public Stadium, Convention, Arts and Tourism Facilities. It is paid by people who stay overnight in a lodging establishment such as a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast facility, or camp ground.
In the City of Olympia, as in neighboring the cities of Lacey and Tumwater, the total sales tax on lodging in 10.4%. Only part of the 10.4% lodging tax comes to the City of Olympia, with Olympia's share equal to a 4% tax. Various portions of the remaining tax are revenue for Washington State, Thurston County, Intercity Transit, and the Olympia Timberland Library.
Olympia expects to have about $200,000 available in 2009 for Lodging Tax funded service contracts.
By state law, the Lodging Tax may be used to promote tourism events, locations, and activities for the purpose of attracting visitors (who will hopefully stay in Olympia lodging establishments, eat in local restaurants, shop in Olympia stores, etc). Lodging tax receipts may also be used to pay for capital costs for some tourism-related facilities; the operation of visitor/convention agencies; and some operating costs of tourism events/attractions.
Under Olympia's guidelines, tourism promotion must be to audiences outside Thurston County. Only non-profit or government agencies are eligible to apply. Proposals less than $2,500 are discouraged due to administrative time and costs.
The City pays contracts on a reimbursement basis. Successful applicants must demonstrate sufficient cash flow to cover the costs of the services and submit proof of costs and payment to the City for reimbursement.
It has been the Olympia City Council's practice to consider Lodging Tax investment as part of its annual budget discussions and appropriation. Each year, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee makes a recommendation to the city council in November on potential uses of the tax.
The Committee has established an annual service proposal process. Proposals for tourism promotion services are accepted from mid-July to mid-September. The Committe reviews the information and makes its recommendations to the City Council in November when the Council is considering budget proposals for the next year.
The Committee's recommendations are advisory in nature only. The City Council decides how to use the Lodging Tax Fund. By State law, the Committee is comprised of a Councilmember who serves as Chair, two members from the lodging establishments in the City who pay the tax, and two members who represent potential recipients of the funds.
Direct questions about the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee proposal process to staff liaison Cathie Butler.