Tillamook County commissioners send 10%→14% transient lodging tax increase to voters

The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 19 to place an amendment to Ordinance 74 on the ballot that would increase the county’s transient lodging tax from 10% to 14%.

Chief Administrative Officer Rachel Hegarty told the board the measure follows ‘‘a several month long process’’ including two town halls and two public hearings and that the order on the table sets the ballot title, noticing requirements and the summary that will appear to voters.

The ordinance change matters because the county and its supporters say lodging taxes pay for visitor-related expenses and local services that are otherwise underfunded. Commissioners described the action as sending the question to voters rather than imposing a tax themselves.

Public comment at the meeting included objections from residents and…