Title
Approval of an Appointment to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to Fill a Vacancy
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommends approval of Greg Taylor, with a term ending March 31, 2027, to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the appointment of Greg Taylor, with a term ending March 31, 2027, to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the appointment of Greg Taylor, with a term ending March 31, 2027, to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy.
Staff Contact:
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8361
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee considered Greg Taylor’s candidacy at the Committee’s September 25, 2024, meeting and recommends his appointment to fill Position #1 vacancy on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), with a term ending March 31, 2027. Mr. Taylor would serve as a representative of businesses required to collect lodging tax. State law delineates LTAC membership eligibility.
Mr. Taylor is the current General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia. He previously served in good stead on LTAC from May 2009 until May 2019, when he moved from the Olympia community. Having since returned to Olympia and to Olympia’s lodging community, Mr. Taylor has expressed interest in once again serving on the City’s Loding Tax Advisory Committee.
Mr. Taylor’s application materials are attached.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Lodging tax funding supports the promotion of tourism activities and facilities that attract visitors to our community. These visitors, in turn, put more dollars in the local economy, spur investment in local amenities, and help to make the Olympia community more vibrant and attractive.
Climate Analysis:
No climate impacts were evident.
Equity Analysis:
The board and commission recruitment process is an opportunity to reduce disparities in participation among marginalized communities in City of Olympia process and decisions.
Financial Impact:
No cost is associated with the action. To reduce barriers to community member participation, the City offers stipends of $25 per meeting attended to Advisory Committee members. Those members who certify as low income are eligible to receive stipends of $50 per meeting attended. Advisory Committee members may waive the stipend upon request.
Options:
1. Approve the appointment of Greg Taylor as recommended.
2. Do not approve the appointment and send the issue back to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee. This would delay the appointment schedule and leave LTAC not operating at full strength.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Greg Taylor Application