Oak Harbor LTAC hears $804,000 in requests for $408,000 available; committee will score and forward recommendations to council

Oak Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee on Oct. 9 heard presentations from more than 20 local event organizers and tourism-related organizations seeking lodging-tax (hotel-motel) funds, with applicants requesting about $804,000 while the city has roughly $408,000 available for distribution this cycle.

The LTAC meeting, chaired by Brian Stuckey, centered on grant proposals ranging from capital debt service for a marina dredging bond to multi-year event operations and marketing campaigns intended to attract visitors from more than 50 miles away. Wendy Horn, the city grants administrator and LTAC liaison, reminded the committee of statutory limits on how lodging tax may be used under state law. "The lodging tax ... is specifically to be used for tourism marketing, marketing of operations of special events and festivals designed to bring people to Oak Harbor from more than 50 miles away," Horn said.

The shortfall in requested funds framed much of the discussion. Stuckey told the group there is roughly half as much money available as applicants requested and asked members to keep the statutory purpose in mind while scoring. Committee members will score applications and return grading sheets to staff by Oct. 17; LTAC will deliberate and make formal recommendations to the city council, which has final authority on awards.

Major requests and proposals

- Oak Harbor Marina: Harbor master Alyce Henry requested lodging-tax…