HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 September Meeting Minutes-DraftLodging Tax Advisory Committee
September 12, 2024
Draft Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm by Patricia Byers.
Roll Call
Members Present: Patricia Byers, John Cooper, Charlie Robin, Connie Upton, Kathy Kramer, Sarah Davila, Sara Allen
Members Absent: Luis Gutierrez and Lisa Vallejo
City Staff Present: Viren Mayani, Andrea Rocha, and Jennifer Tippett
Approve minutes of previous meeting
Motion: Charlie moved to accept, and Sara A seconded to approve the previous meeting minutes. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.
Staff Report
Viren Mayani, City of Yakima Director of Finance and Budget, was introduced to the board members. Jennifer Tippett informed the committee that the lodging tax revenue for the first
eight months of the year is 8% higher than the same period in the previous year. To date, it is 15% over the 2024 accumulative budget.
John Cooper informed everyone that Smith Travel Research reports that hotel occupancy was up 7% in July. (These numbers include 2 properties in Union Gap.) CTA will begin a certified
ambassador program this Fall with a rollout in 2025. Kathy has experience with the same program in Phoenix.
Viren offered to be of assistance with promotion by utilizing the city’s communication team.
Continued Business
New Business
The City budgeted $1,742,000 in hotel motel lodging tax revenue in 2025. The Convention Center debt payment of $490,000 was removed leaving $1,252,000 to be disbursed between the grant
recipients. The board members agreed on the following:
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Public Comment
Rich Austin informed members that a volleyball tournament is the next weekend with 80 teams in attendance.
Motion: Charlie made a motion to adjourn, and Kathy seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 1:33.