County approves joining Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau assessment district for new park lodging

The committee voted to approve and forward to the Board of Commissioners an agreement to join the Grand Haven Area Convention and Visitors Bureau assessment district so Ottawa County’s new Idema Explorers Camp can be included in regional marketing and pass‑through assessments.

Staff said the Explorers Camp will include three treehouses, five yurts and ten tent pads; treehouses and yurts qualify for the CVB assessment. The Visitors Bureau charges a 2% assessment on users; the county will remit the fee quarterly for covered lodging. "It is a 2% tax that's charged on the users," a staff presenter said.

Committee members pressed staff on protections and resident access: Commissioners asked whether county residents would be prioritized for registration and whether discounted rates could be offered in future years. Staff said the camp was largely privately funded and the first year would be broadly marketed, but they plan to offer priority registration for residents and to revisit resident discounts and allocation after initial operations. "The plan was to try to open it up the spring and then adjust as may be," a staff member said.

The motion passed by voice vote. Several commissioners said they favored exploring resident priority registration and possible discounts in future seasons and asked staff to return with registration mechanics and fee schedules if they seek a resident privilege or discount.

Ending: The agreement will go to the Board of Commissioners for final approval; staff will provide registration‑priority plans and fee details for future consideration.