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Clatsop County staff praise HB 4148 outcome as 50/50 transient lodging tax split takes effect Jan. 1
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Summary
County policy analyst told commissioners that HB 4148 established a 50/50 split of transient lodging tax (TLT) revenues, permits local use for emergency and nonemergency services, requires biannual local reporting starting in 2027 and a state study due by 09/15/2034; staff said the change gives counties more flexibility.
Amanda Navichuk, the county’s management and policy analyst, told the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners that the 2026 short legislative session largely spared counties from deep cuts and produced one major win for local revenue flexibility: House Bill 4148, which passed both chambers and landed a 50/50 split for TLT revenue.
"HB 4148 passed with 40 yes votes in the House and 23 in the Senate," Navichuk said, and "the 50/50 split is effective on January 1." She said the measure clarifies that the county’s 50 percent may fund both emergency and nonemergency services delivered by cities, counties or special districts and that recipients under an agreement must submit biannual reports to the local government starting in 2027.
The analyst said the bill also allows TLT funds to be used for tourism resiliency grants for small businesses and the lodging industry and permits application to unexpected TLT revenues. The law adds a Legislative Revenue Office study—based on reports submitted by local governments—due no later than Sept. 15, 2034.
Commissioners and staff emphasized the practical consequences for county budgeting. "Because the 50/50 is not operational until January 1, we have time to look through some of the details," a staff speaker said, noting the county plans to return with a rate-reduction proposal tied to the new revenue split.
Commissioner Thompson urged proactive outreach to transient lodging operators so the county can address concerns and improve cooperation with the industry, a step Navichuk and other commissioners said is already occurring with destination-marketing organizations and operators.
Navichuk also summarized other session highlights relevant to the county: a transportation funding referral moved to the May ballot, an industrial symbiosis pilot program, and a provision in the procedures bill removing a cap on county lottery transfers that could increase annual fairgrounds revenue by an estimated $80,000. She warned that state budget rebalancing measures and vacant-position savings still required monitoring, and staff pledged to report back if they find items of concern.
The session update concluded with staff outlining reporting and compliance tasks the county will need to meet under the new TLT rules and with a staff commitment to follow up with the board on implementation and any recommended rate adjustments.
