Lodgers Tax Advisory Board approves 2026 work plan, adopts bimonthly schedule and re-elects leadership

The Lodgers Tax Advisory Board voted to approve its 2026 work plan, adopt a bimonthly meeting schedule for the year and keep current leadership in place.

During the board’s Jan. meeting, staff walked members through proposed edits to the 2026 work plan. Staff said it would add a link to the seven-year tourism review and include language clarifying that any spending recommendations will be made “within the Lodgers tax state statute” to encourage overnight stays. Board members requested additional links to county departments and clearer language about the board’s role in advising on projects to benefit small businesses.

Jennifer Olsen moved to approve the work plan “as discussed with the edits in today's meeting”; a member seconded and the motion carried. Later in the agenda the board discussed alternative meeting schedules after staff noted quorum problems in prior years (2025: 7 of 12 meetings held; 2024: 3 meetings; 2023: 6 meetings). The board debated quarterly versus bimonthly meetings; members said bimonthly meetings better serve small-business engagement and allow more opportunities for the public to attend. The board moved and unanimously approved a bimonthly schedule for 2026.

Members also discussed board term lengths. Staff outlined current policy — three-year terms with a two-term limit — and board members suggested considering two-year terms with a three-term limit to improve recruitment and allow staggered continuity. Staff will pass that feedback to county staff for follow-up.

On leadership, members nominated and unanimously re-elected Jennifer Olsen as chair and Connor Tharpe as vice chair. The board adjourned and said it will next meet March 17.

What it means: The approved work plan and the decision to meet six times in 2026 signal a focus on increasing business engagement and clearer transparency about the board’s advisory role under the lodgers tax statute.