Bothell LTAC reports hotel‑motel tax receipts down about $48,000 year‑to‑date
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Summary
Staff reported year‑to‑date hotel‑motel tax revenue of roughly $75,000 versus $124,000 the prior year, a decline of about $48,000; members discussed impacts from reduced Canadian visitation and competition from new hotels in the region.
Staff told the committee that lodging‑tax revenue is down year‑to‑date compared with the prior year, reporting approximately $75,000 this year compared with $124,000 at the same point last year — a decrease of roughly $48,000.
The staff presentation described the revenue source as a hotel‑motel tax restricted by law to marketing, special events that attract overnight visitors and tourism facilities. "We bring in about $420,000 a year in revenue through the hotel motel tax fund," a staff member said, and noted the fund's statutory restrictions on allowable spending. Committee members attributed part of the decline to reduced Canadian visitation and broader market uncertainty; one member also noted new hotel openings in nearby jurisdictions (for example, a new IHG property in Redmond) that could redistribute event demand.
Billie Jean, a long‑time hotelier who said her property was recently sold out, described staffing as stable at her property even as revenue pressures persist. Committee members discussed the need to monitor performance and consider marketing and event strategies that boost stays tied to regional sporting events.
Ending: Staff will continue tracking receipts and report comparative performance at future meetings; committee members discussed using marketing tools and event programming to drive demand but made no immediate budget decisions.