Ross Ragland seeks 2% transient lodging tax increase; board urges stakeholder outreach

Francine Marseille, executive director of Ross Ragland, told the Klamath County board on July 14 the arts organization is asking the county to place a measure on the ballot that would add 2 percentage points to the transient lodging (room) tax to cover fixed costs and expand programming.

"We're we're asking for a, a 2% increase in the transit room tax, and that will cover our, fixed costs and give us a little room to do some other interesting things," Marseille said. Jason Leroux, a Ragland board member, said the increase would help bring bigger acts that fill hotel rooms and boost local restaurants and retail.

Commissioners responded with procedural and strategic questions. One commissioner said he had already received "multiple calls from hoteliers who have stated that they were vigorously opposed," and several board members advised the Ragland team to secure support from key stakeholders — including hotel owners, Discover Klamath and museum advocates — before asking voters to decide.

Chair urged the Ragland representatives to hold targeted outreach and education, noting past ballot efforts stalled when stakeholders and messaging were not aligned. The board asked the Ragland team to return in one to two weeks with more specific ballot language, evidence of stakeholder engagement and a communications plan; staff flagged a 03:30 time‑certain item on the agenda and scheduled follow‑up.

Because the proposal would place a tax increase before county voters, commissioners framed the choice as procedural: the board can place the measure on the ballot, but public support will determine voter success. Ragland representatives committed to stakeholder meetings and town‑hall style outreach to address hotelier concerns before the board considers placing the measure on the ballot.