The purpose and intent of this chapter is to establish a committee to review and comment on any proposed imposition of hotel/motel tax, proposed increase in the hotel/motel tax rate, and any proposed change in the use of revenue derived from the hotel/motel tax and make recommendations to council regarding the distribution of hotel/motel tax funds, all as set forth in Chapter 67.28 RCW as it currently exists or may hereafter be amended.
(Ord. 17-97; Ord. 09-19 § 1)
There is created within the city of Richland a lodging tax advisory committee. The committee will be composed of five members appointed by the city council. One position must be filled by a councilmember; two members must represent businesses required to collect lodging tax; and two members must be involved in activities eligible for funding by lodging tax revenue. The limitations of RCW 67.28.1817(1) apply to appointments. The membership shall be appointed to staggered two-year terms and until their successors are appointed and confirmed.
(Ord. 17-97; Ord. 18-98; Ord. 40-98; Ord. 09-19 § 1)
A. 
A councilmember shall serve as the committee's chairperson. The vice-chairperson and all other officers shall be filled as the committee determines it requires. The committee shall meet as determined by the committee.
B. 
Three members of the committee, comprised of one representative from council, one representative from a business required to collect lodging tax and one representative involved in activities eligible for funding by lodging tax revenue, shall constitute a quorum.
(Ord. 17-97; Ord. 40-98; Ord. 09-19 § 1)
The committee shall perform the following duties:
A. 
The committee shall serve as an advisory committee for the council as it relates to hotel/motel tax funds. All meetings shall be open to the public following publication of a notice for such meeting in the legal newspaper for the city of Richland.
B. 
The committee shall review and comment on any proposed imposition of the hotel/motel tax, any proposed increase in the hotel/motel tax rate, and any change in the use of revenue derived from the hotel/motel tax and recommend to council any distribution of hotel/motel tax funds.
C. 
The committee shall maintain a written log of activities in which it is involved, and shall report annually, in written form, to the city council regarding its involvement on behalf of the city.
(Ord. 17-97; Ord. 09-19 § 1)
If any one or more sections, subsections or sentences of this chapter are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter, and the same shall remain in full force and effect.
(Ord. 17-97; Ord. 09-19 § 1)