HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.10.20 LTAC MinutesC'ty°J
Pasco
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 9, 2020
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 8:36 a.m., by Saul Martinez via GoToWebinar.
ROLL CALL:
Board Members Present: Saul Martinez (City Council); Colin Hastings (Chamber of
Commerce); Hector Cruz (Visit Tri-Cities); Monica Hammerberg (Hampton Inn); and
Taran Patel (A-1 Hospitability)
Guests: Angela Pashon, Senior Management Analyst; Griselda Garcia, Lead
Accountant - Governmental, Darcy Buckley, Finance Manager
BUSINESS:
Saul Martinez presented the October 21, 2019 minutes of the Lodging Tax Advisory_
Committee. Motion was made by Monica HammerbeM, seconded by Taran Patel, to
approve the October 21 2019 minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
Angela Pashon reviewed the following: 2016-2020 lodging tax summary and 2014-2020
lodging tax reporting (JLARC).
Staff reviewed 2020 estimates and expenses. Due to the decrease in tourism from the
COVID-19 pandemic, fund balance will be utilized to cover drop in revenue from
previously established revenue estimate. Staff reviewed expenses paid year-to-date
and stated only long-term commitments have been incurred.
Griselda Garcia stated the 2021 estimated revenue is conservative and the City has
seen 2020 revenue steadily increase in recent months.
Angela Pashon reviewed 2021 tax allocation requests. Due to COVID-19, three 2020
applicants (Arc of Tri-Cities, Water Follies, and Franklin County Historic Society)
requested their applications be reconsidered for 2021 tax allocation.
Staff reviewed its recommendation to approve all 2021 requests totaling $586,900.
Although the recommendation exceeds estimated revenue for 2021, the fund has a
healthy fund balance as a result of increased tourism in the region and expenses
routinely coming in less than expected over recent years. With several long-term
commitments (TRAC/Napo interlocal agreement, stadium improvement debt service,
Visitor & Convention Bureau, and Pasco Chamber of Commerce) staff recommended
approval of the three additional applications to lend support to agencies already hit hard
by the pandemic.
A motion was made by Taran Patel. seconded by Monica Hammerber . to recommend
2021 allocation estimates as outlined below. Motion carried unanimously.
Organization
Amount
TRAC/HAPO Center
$250,000
Stadium Improvements Debt Service
$130,000
Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention
$148,000
Bureau
Fund Administration & Expenses
$3,900
Pasco Chamber of Commerce
$20,000
Arc of Tri-Cities
$5,000
Franklin County Historic Society
$20,000
Water Follies
$10,000
Contingency
NA . .
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Demonstrate correlation to
overnight accommodations in
Pasco and is highly encouraged
to work with hotel industry
representatives to provide
reporting data
NA
Angela Pashon stated the committee's recommendation for 2021 will be presented to
the City Council at either the October 19 or November 2 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Committee meeting adjourned at 8:58 a.m.
Angela Pashon, Senior Management Analyst