Title
SPECIAL 2% LODGING TAX COLLECTIONS IN COWLITZ COUNTY
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Continue effective financial management
Address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The attached letter addressed to the region’s legislative delegation requests that area legislators consider an amendment to the statute governing the collection of the “special 2%” lodging tax provided for within RCW 67.28.181. Unlike most cities in the state, the cities within Cowlitz County currently do not receive this portion of the lodging tax because state statute grants Cowlitz County with the authority for its collection and expenditure. The proposed legislation would allow cities in Cowlitz County to keep more of the revenue that is generated within our borders to fund tourism promotion activities within our individual communities. The requested change would give Cowlitz County cities the same collection authority as the majority of cities in the state of Washington.
Amending the statute to provide cities in Cowlitz County the same 2% special lodging tax authority that has been given to most other cities within the state of Washington would not raise taxes but would double the amount of revenue each city is currently collecting. The additional 2% special lodging tax for the City of Longview would generate approximately $40,000.00.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the letter requesting consideration of the “Special 2%” Lodging Tax in Cowlitz County.
STAFF CONTACT: Kurt Sacha, City Manager