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Yelm approves LTAC recommendations totaling $95,400 for 2026 events, committee urges reserve policy
Summary
The City Council approved recommendations from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to award $95,400 to 11 events and organizations for 2026. Committee members said the fund has a large reserve and recommended keeping one year of revenue in reserve while funding special events in the city’s 250th celebration year.
The City Council on Oct. 14 approved the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee’s recommendations to allocate $95,400 in lodging‑tax funds for events and visitor programming in 2026.
Kathy, a city staff member, told the council the city originally budgeted $40,000 for LTAC awards in 2026; the committee’s recommended awards total $95,400 after the committee applied an across‑the‑board 20% reduction to requested amounts. Kathy said the award approvals are the committee’s step one; the awards will not be finalized until the council adopts the mid‑biennium budget amendment in November.
The committee recommended funding as follows: Barbecue Rally, $16,000; Visitor and Convention Bureau of Thurston County, $7,000; Nisqually Valley Spring Expo, $8,000; Jazz in the Park, $5,600; Blues and Brews, $6,400; Standing Room Only Theater, $9,600; City of Yelm Fireworks Show, $30,000; City of Yelm Prairie Days, $11,200; Backyard Bricks, $1,600; and other applicants bringing the total requested to $95,400.
Lynn, communications and recreation coordinator for the city, described Backyard Bricks as a new two‑day LEGO builders’ show expected to draw visitors from more than 50 miles away and therefore qualifying for lodging‑tax support.
Council members asked about the LTAC fund balance and sustainability. Kathy told the council the account has a substantial reserve compared with annual receipts; she said annual lodging‑tax revenue typically runs between $25,000 and $35,000. Kathy and LTAC members said the committee plans to recommend a reserve policy that would retain roughly one year’s revenue in reserves so the city can fund larger, special projects in the future without exhausting the account.
Shelley Nicholson, an LTAC committee member, said the committee intentionally preserves funds for larger capital or special projects—such as a stage at a new park—rather than spending the balance on routine awards. “We would rather have that money saved for that special thing than just blow through the money,” she said.
Councilor Richardson moved to approve the LTAC award recommendations totaling $95,400; Councilman Crossman seconded. The council approved the recommendation by voice vote. Staff said awards will be confirmed after the council adopts the budget amendment expected in November.
