Clatsop County officials say pending TLT legislation likely dead; local rate increase still under consideration

County staff told commissioners in the work session that a bill to change transient lodging tax (TLT) distribution did not get out of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue before the session ended and is likely dead for this session. The county’s policy analyst and county manager said substantial progress had been made during the session but that flexibility sought from the legislature was not granted.

Staff said local governments and tourism industry groups have been engaged in extensive discussions and that misinformation around eligible uses for TLT revenues has complicated the debate. County staff noted that differences in how pre‑2003 and post‑2003 TLT proceeds are treated have created confusion; in Clatsop County, pre‑2003 lodging collections from unincorporated areas were zero until a 1¢ county levy was added in 2018.

Given the legislative outcome, staff told the board their recommendation will be to increase the county line by 2¢ as the most likely local option to meet needs; staff said the industry will likely oppose any rate increase. Staff also noted a second local hearing is scheduled for July 23 and the county will continue to work with partners including the Association of Oregon Counties and local representatives on next steps.

Ending — Commissioners thanked staff and lobbyists for the work in Salem and asked for continued outreach ahead of the July hearing and any local ordinance process.