A lodging tax advisory commission is hereby established and created by the city council. The purpose of the lodging tax advisory commission (LTAC) is to perform the functions and duties as required under RCW 67.28.1817.
(Formerly 2.94.010; Ord. 1603-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1938 §§ 8, 10, 2016)
A. 
The lodging tax advisory commission shall consist of five members appointed by the city council as follows:
1. 
Two members who are representatives of businesses required to collect tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW;
2. 
Two members who are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW; and
3. 
One member of the city council who shall serve as chair of the LTAC.
B. 
Persons who are eligible for appointment under subsection (A)(1) of this section are not eligible for appointment under subsection (A)(2) of this section and vice versa.
C. 
The number of persons appointed as representatives of businesses required to collect tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW shall be equal to the number of members appointed as persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW and vice versa.
D. 
The city council may consider recommendations for appointment to the LTAC from organizations representing businesses required to collect tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW, organizations involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW, and local agencies involved in tourism promotion.
(Formerly 2.94.020; Ord. 1603-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1938 §§ 8, 11, 2016)
As required by state law, the city council shall review the membership of the LTAC annually and make changes as appropriate both in regard to the number of appointments and the members appointed. This review shall occur by the last day of the month of November of each year. Members of the LTAC shall serve at the pleasure of the city council and may be removed at any time, without cause, at their discretion.
(Formerly 2.94.030; Ord. 1603-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1938 § 8, 2016)
At least 45 days before final action or passage, the city shall submit the following proposals to the LTAC for review and comment: the imposition of a tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW; an increase in the rate of a tax imposed under Chapter 67.28 RCW; a repeal of an exemption from a tax imposed under Chapter 67.28 RCW; or a change in the use of revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW.
(Formerly 2.94.040; Ord. 1603-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1938 § 8, 2016)
A. 
The LTAC shall promptly review all proposals as described in FMC 4.10.040, submitted for review and comment through generally applicable public comment procedures. These comments shall include the following analysis: 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 city's fund created under RCW 67.28.1815. Final legislative authority over these proposals shall remain with the elected city council. Review, comments, or any recommendations presented by the LTAC are advisory only and shall not bind the city council.
B. 
Failure of the LTAC to submit comments before final action on or passage of the proposal by city council shall not prevent the city from acting on the proposal.
C. 
The city may, but is not required to, submit an amended proposal to the LTAC for review.
(Formerly 2.94.050; Ord. 1603-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1938 §§ 8, 12, 2016)
The members of the LTAC shall receive no reimbursement of expenses incidental to service on the LTAC. The LTAC may request specific support necessary to carry out its responsibilities by a request made, in advance, to the city manager.
(Formerly 2.94.070; Ord. 1603-06 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1938 §§ 8, 13, 2016)