Chapter 2.68
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Sections:
2.68.010 Purpose of lodging tax advisory committee.
2.68.020 Membership of committee and staff coordinator.
2.68.010 Purpose of lodging tax advisory committee.
Sequim’s lodging tax advisory committee was established by the Sequim city council in 2006 when state law affecting cities over 5,000 population was enacted. The purpose of the lodging tax advisory committee (LTAC) is to perform the functions described in RCW 67.28.1817 and also to be an ongoing advisory committee to the city council, with duties as described in this chapter or as directed by the city council, following procedures as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 1; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 1)
2.68.020 Membership of committee and staff coordinator.
The LTAC will be comprised of at least five voting members, each appointed by the Sequim city council. The city council may appoint nonvoting members to the LTAC. LTAC members are not required to be residents of the city of Sequim.
A. Voting members will be as follows:
1. One member must be a Sequim city council member, who will serve as chair.
2. At least two members must be representatives of businesses required to collect tax under this chapter.
3. At least two members must be persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under this chapter.
4. There must be equal representation of businesses required to collect tax under this chapter and persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under this chapter.
B. The term of membership is through June 30th of the year following appointment. However, a member’s term will not expire until the appointment of a new member is effective. By statute, a person who is eligible under subsections (A)(2) and (A)(3) of this section must serve in only one capacity. The city council will review the membership of the advisory committee annually and make changes as appropriate. Each year, organizations representing businesses required to collect the lodging tax, organizations involved in activities authorized to be funded by lodging tax revenue, and local agencies involved in tourism promotion may submit recommendations for LTAC membership.
C. The city manager will assign a city employee to act as coordinator between LTAC, the city council, and city staff to assist LTAC as it directs. The coordinator will not be a voting member of LTAC or have decision-making authority. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 2; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 2)
2.68.030 Duties.
The LTAC reviews proposals for imposing new lodging taxes, increases in lodging tax rates, repeals of exemptions from lodging taxes, or changes in the use of revenue received pursuant to the lodging tax statute, Chapter 67.28 RCW.
The LTAC coordinator submits such proposals to the LTAC for review and comment. The LTAC then submits its comments to the city council in a timely manner through generally applicable public comment procedures. LTAC comments must include an analysis of the extent to which the proposal will accommodate activities for tourists or increase tourism, and the extent to which the proposal will affect the long-term stability of the lodging tax fund created under this chapter.
The LTAC should submit its comments on a proposal no more than 44 calendar days after its receipt of the proposal. However, failure of the LTAC to submit comments will not prevent the city from acting on the proposal once 45 calendar days have elapsed since the proposal was submitted to the LTAC.
In addition to the foregoing, the LTAC will submit a report to the city manager as to whether the proposed budget for lodging tax revenue and lodging fund expenditures is consistent with long-term stability of the lodging tax fund.
Minutes must be maintained of each meeting. These minutes will be placed on the city council’s agenda on at least a quarterly basis for acknowledgement by the city council. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 3; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 3)
2.68.040 Quorum.
A quorum of the LTAC is a majority of persons currently serving as voting members of the LTAC. A quorum must be present in order for a vote to be taken on a recommendation to go to the city council. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 4; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 4)
2.68.050 Procedure.
A. All business must be guided pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act.
B. The chair will propose an agenda for meetings, preside at all meetings, and vote on matters being voted on by LTAC. The chair is responsible for assuring that LTAC reports are presented to the city on time and will select a member or direct the coordinator to record minutes and decisions of LTAC that establish policies or recommendations.
C. LTAC may select a vice chair or a temporary chair to act in the absence of the chair.
D. LTAC may adopt a written policy of LTAC practices consistent with this chapter or other direction of the city council. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 5; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 5)
2.68.060 Voting.
Each voting member is entitled to one vote. All matters establishing policies, recommendations, or decisions must be decided by a majority vote of voting members present. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 6; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 6)
2.68.070 Expenses.
LTAC members receive no compensation and are not eligible for reimbursement of expenses incidental to service on the LTAC. LTAC may seek specific support necessary to carry out its responsibilities by making a written request, in advance, to the city manager. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 7; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 7)
2.68.080 Removal.
The city council may remove a member of LTAC for sufficient cause. “Sufficient cause” means:
A. Absence for two consecutive meetings without prior excuse from the chair; or
B. Violation of the public trust or malfeasance. (Ord. 2022-013 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-018 § 8; Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2006-015 § 8)