HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.09.26 LTAC MinutesLODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 26, 2017
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm, by Matt Watkins, in conference room #9 at Pasco City
Hall.
ROLL CALL:
Board Members Present: Matt Watkins (Council); Colin Hastings (Chamber); Monica Hammerberg
(Hampton Inn); and Hector Cruz (Visit Tri -Cities).
Excused: Allison White (Sleep Inn).
Also Present: Stan Strebel, Deputy City Manager; and Brent Miles and Derrel Ebert, Tri -City Dust
Devils.
BUSINESS:
Matt Watkins presented the September 19, 2016 minutes of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
Motion was made by Colin Hastings and seconded by Monica Hammerberg to approve the
September 19, 2016 minutes as submitted. Motion passed unanimously_
Stan briefly reviewed the following: historical allocation of lodging tax receipts; current contractual
commitments; 2016 JLARC reporting; 2014-2017 document combining JLARC reporting as well as
2018 tax allocation requests; and possible 2019 requests.
Committee discussed the requests for use of the 2018 Lodging Tax receipts, estimated to total
$596,797. Stan noted that it is proposed to pay the balance of stadium debt ($127,000) in 2018 to
retire that debt. All requests are similar to those approved for 2017, except for: an increase in the
TRAC request, due to uncertainty; the DPDA request of an additional $2,000; and a proposed new
expenditure, HVAC in visitor's clubhouse at GESA Stadium, in the amount of $35,000. Brent and
Derrel spoke briefly to the HVAC needs.
Monica asked if DPDA had been able to track lodging stays associated with their events. Stan
noted that while some effort had been made, the fact that tickets were not required for the main
DPDA events, made tracking challenging. Monica would like to. see some DPDA advertising
directed toward out-of-town visitors. Stan will make this request to DPDA.
Stan explained that while the 2018 requests slightly exceed expected revenue for the coming year,
estimated fund balance in the Stadium/Convention Center fund will cover the projected shortfall, if
needed.
Motion was made by Monica Hammerberg and seconded by Colin Hastings to recommend the 2018
allocation estimate as outlined below. Motion carried unanimousl
• TRAC, 50% of actual operating costs ............... $275,000 (est)
VCB Promotion Services (50% of 2%) ............. $132,609 (est)
• Pasco Chamber Ag Show .................................... $20,000
• Baseball Stadium Debt ....................................... $127,188 (will retire debt)
• Baseball Stadium HVAC.......................................35,000
• DPDA Event Marketing ......................................... $7,000
TOTAL .............................. $596,797
Stan reviewed possible 2019 allocations, noting that the City and Dust Devils had been conferring
regarding replacement and upgrade needs at the stadium. A bond, similar to the one structured for
original construction (22 years ago), was being considered in the amount of $2 million, with
possible debt service over 20 years of approximately $160,000 per year. Brent and Derrel reviewed
possible improvements including seating replacements, lighting and sound system upgrades as well
as concession and clubhouse improvements. Some improvements are needed to meet professional
baseball standards.
Monica asked if stadium improvements were prioritized (not yet); Hector and Colin both noted the
value of the facility and the need for improvements. Matt expressed appreciation for each sharing
their thoughts.
Stan indicated that the committee's recommendation for 2018, as well as a brief discussion on the
possible 2019 allocations, and beyond, will be presented to the City Council at their meeting of
October 9, with action expected at their October 16 meeting.
UoZl17 14 00101019
Committee meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Stan Strebel, Deputy City Manager
LTAC Minutes 9/26/17
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