Clatsop County staff outlines end-of-session fights over lodging tax and transportation funding

Amanda, a county legislative staff member, briefed the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on multiple Oregon legislative items as the 2025 session approached adjournment and work sessions were scheduled. The most advanced item was a proposed change to the transient lodging tax distribution: a ‘dash-11’ amendment introduced by Rep. Marsh that would move to a 70/30 split (70% discretionary to cities and counties and 30% for tourism promotion and related facilities); another amendment under consideration would move to a 60/40 (or 40/60 depending on which chamber language is referenced). Amanda told the board a work session was scheduled the following day and that time to resolve the bill was limited.

Why it matters: The TLT distribution affects how much revenue county and city governments can use for local priorities versus tourism promotion. Commissioners said they want the county to push for changes that increase local discretion while acknowledging competing statewide interests from destination marketing organizations.

Amanda also summarized a transportation funding bill that would maintain a longstanding state highway fund split (15/30/20) while tying future gas-tax increases to inflation and directing new funding to locally managed safety and connectivity programs. The bill includes line items discussed in hearings and informational meetings: $25 million annually for Safe Routes to School, $5 million for a wildlife-vehicle-collision reduction fund and $125 million for a “Great Streets” initiative to retrofit orphan highways for safer crossings, bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure. Staff cautioned that fiscal analysis was still incomplete and that total revenue estimates were not yet finalized; several commissioners expressed concern that the Great Streets funding prioritizes new projects over operations and maintenance.

Other bills Amanda reviewed included SB 916, a controversial measure addressing unemployment insurance for striking workers. Amanda described the Senate’s rejection of House amendments and formation of a conference committee; she said any committee compromise requires unanimous approval before returning to both chambers for final votes. Commissioners and staff described statewide concern that SB 916 could shift significant fiscal burdens to counties and school districts if the state does not provide funding to cover the programmatic costs. Several commissioners said the bill could create new liabilities and fiscal strain for rural counties and school districts during collective bargaining.

The briefing also covered a variety of other items: a county fairs budget boost in the drafted state budget (about $5.74 million statewide); shelter program funding moving through subcommittees; and SB 1051 (state forester appointment) where a dash-4 amendment would create a four-year term with stated experience requirements and an emergency clause. Commissioners and staff discussed pros and cons of changing appointment processes and the potential for making the forester role more political if tied to a fixed term. Amanda and commissioners noted ongoing coordination with the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and other partners on model resolutions and coordinated letters the county might sign.

Commissioners asked for follow-up: a draft board letter on the transportation bill, more detail about fiscal estimates when available, and continued engagement from the county’s legislative team and lobbyists at the end of session work sessions. Amanda said staff would circulate updates after the session concluded and coordinate a board letter if the board wanted formal advocacy.