Commissioners discuss tourism DMO responsibilities and jump in economic development fees
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Summary
Columbia County commissioners discussed whether the county should act as a regional tourism DMO after the Columbia Economic Team left regional tourism funds unallocated, and debated raising an economic development fee to about $6,000 a year from a longstanding $1,500. Commissioners noted administrative-resource implications and possible membership loss if fees rise.
A commissioner told colleagues that regional tourism DMO funds issued out of Portland had been assigned to the Columbia Economic Team and have not yet been reallocated; Michael Kavanaugh was named in the meeting as the person administering those fees. The commissioner asked whether Columbia County should serve as the tourism destination marketing organization (DMO) on an interim basis until another entity takes on the role.
Commissioners and staff discussed the administrative resources required for the county to act as the DMO. One commissioner said the port and at least one local business, Colpack (transcript spelling variants used), have shown interest in the tourism role but cautioned that taking on the DMO would add staff workload.
Separately, commissioners debated a proposed increase in economic development fees paid to Colpack that speakers said would rise to about $6,000 a year after decades at roughly $1,500. One speaker said some members nearly left over a prior debate on the fee amount and that the longstanding $1,500 figure had not changed for 20–30 years. Commissioners worried that a sharp fee increase could cause membership attrition.
No formal decision was recorded in the transcript on whether Columbia County will act as the interim DMO or on the fee change. The discussion ended with direction to consider the administrative implications and follow up with interested parties.
