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2 clusters · 5 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Island County lodging tax fund management

Overview

Island County commissioners are evaluating the redistribution of lodging tax funds. Due to a lack of qualifying applications for capital projects, officials are considering redirecting $87,000 toward tourism events.

While the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee received over $834,000 in requests for community events, only $214,500 was available, resulting in the funding of 11 out of 24 applications. Potential recipients include the Whidbey Island Marathon, Sound Water Stewards, and the Whidbey Island Arts Council. Commissioner Melanie Bacon has suggested a $10,000 limit per organization for these awards.

Commissioners noted that funds should prioritize events attracting overnight visitors rather than local residents. A proposal for Mysthaven Village was deemed ineligible for capital funding because it lacked a required municipal partnership. The matter must return to the advisory committee for further consideration.

Entities

Melanie Bacon · Emily Wildeman · Whidbey Island Marathon · Island County Board of Commissioners · Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Island County commissioners consider redirecting lodging tax funds

    Island County commissioners may redirect $87,000 in unused lodging tax capital funds to support various tourism and community events that were previously unfunded.

  2. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Island County uses sales tax to fund affordable housing

    Island County is using a 0.1% sales tax to fund 28 affordable housing units across Whidbey Island, including recent investments in Oak Harbor, Langley, and Coupeville.

Sources

bainbridgereview.com · dailyastorian.com · homernews.com · southwhidbeyrecord.com · whidbeynewstimes.com