Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the LTAC Allocation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council rejects Chamber payment, approves $25,000 to Downtown Woodland Revitalization
Summary
After a public hearing and a written request from the Woodland Chamber, the council voted 4–3 to award $25,000 in lodging-tax funds to Downtown Woodland Revitalization and failed to authorize a $25,000 payment to the Woodland Visitor Center run by the Chamber; the remaining $25,000 of the authorized $50,000 remains available.
Woodland City Council voted on competing lodging-tax (LTAC) allocations after a public hearing and a written submission from the Woodland Chamber of Commerce warning of legal and audit risks.
Tom Butler of the Chamber read a letter asking the city to seek written legal clarification before approving altered LTAC allocations. The letter said DWR’s application did not reflect the revised award and that some proposed uses described in that application — local marketing, community events and lease payments to a city‑owned building — might not meet the statutory definitions for lodging‑tax spending under the RCW cited in the letter. Butler told the council the visitor center’s annual operating cost is roughly $82,500 and that $40,000 is the minimum required to keep it open; he warned the visitor center would close effective Jan. 1, 2026, if funding fell below that amount.
Council discussion centered on whether to honor the LTAC committee’s recommendation to split $50,000 (25k to each group) or reallocate more to one group. Some councilors said DWR could operate a welcome center in the new civic building and that DWR had indicated it could accept $25,000; other councilors and residents urged preserving a visible visitor‑center presence operated by the Chamber.
On action item D, a motion to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement giving $25,000 to the Woodland Visitor Center (through the Chamber) failed by a 4–3 roll call (ayes: Houston, Friend, Burke; nays: Freimark, Hall, Rounds, Dowdy). On action item C, council then approved a motion to authorize $25,000 to Downtown Woodland Revitalization by a 4–3 vote (ayes: Burke, Dowdy, Houston, Friend; nays: Rounds, Hall, Freimark). City counsel explained that authorized but unawarded LTAC funds remain in the budget and can be reallocated later subject to LTAC procedures and any required committee referrals.
The Chamber’s letter requested written findings from the city attorney before funds are dispersed; council discussion included suggestions to consult the Municipal Research and Services Center for additional guidance. The city attorney advised that if an award is declined by a recipient, the city can start the award process again using the remaining budgeted funds and a list of applicants from the LTAC committee.
Next steps: the $25,000 awarded to DWR will be processed through the city’s award and receipt procedures; the remaining $25,000 authorized in the budget is available for future consideration or reapplication.
