Transient Lodging Tax Committee Work Session Minutes
February 6, 2023
Baker County Courthouse – Commission Chambers
TLTC work session began at 9:00 am.
Members Present: Tyler Brown, Buell Gonzales, Mandy Clark, Alysia Bowers, and Sheryl Brandt
Staff Present: Jessica Hobson and Devon Colton
Public Present: None
Tyler directed the Committee this meeting is a work session and no motions will be made.
Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget
Tyler indicated the Committee will draft the marketing budget and submit their recommendation to the Commissioners for approval. Jessica provided the Committee with a working document of reallocations to the existing fiscal year 2022-23 budget and a draft budget for fiscal year 2023-24. In addition to the Heritage Event Grant budget line, Jessica would also like to add a Special Projects Unrepeatable line. She would like to set up a kiosk on Campbell Street near the fairgrounds on County owned property with these funds. Tyler explained to new Committee members how budgeting was done in the past with the prior Marketing Director.
The addition of the Heritage Event Grant line would make funds available to be events such as East-West Shrine All-Star Football game and the State/District Basketball Tournaments. The organizers would complete a simplified grant application form to access those funds and provide a summary report of the event. Tyler indicated the funds for this line item would be subtracted from the Event Grants line.
Tyler shared his concern in the way grant funding has been awarded in the past year and recommended, going forward, the Committee evaluate grant applications and award amounts that align with the intent that funding be used to market an event resulting in overnight stays. Local event attendance should not be a focus.
There was discussion around professional service agreements with Baker County Unlimited for Visitor’s Services and Jessica Hobson as the Baker County Marketing Director.
Tyler shared that Beverly Calder will be appointed by the Baker City Council as the City representative.
There was discussion about the EDC a land purchase where an event center will be built to spur tourism.
Review Lodging Tax Rate
Alysia shared that on the Oregon Department of Revenue site there is a listing of lodging tax rates in Oregon. She checked the website and all are in the 6-9% range. After review, the Committee agreed to leave the current lodging tax rate of 7% unchanged.
There was discussion relating to vacation rentals that are not registered with the County and a potential loss of revenue. In updating her website, Jessica found that there are over 130 lodging establishments in Baker County.
Review Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan for Baker County Tourism was completed in 2018. Since the COVID pandemic, tourism has changed drastically. In August of 2021 Timothy Bishop shared “Revised – Next Steps” to the Strategic Plan.
Tyler shared how the Base Camp Baker brand originated and that a Google search of “Base Camp Baker” still directs users to Travel Oregon sites.
The following items from the Strategic Plan were discussed:
How to train front line people in the community in order to boost tourism.
Logo development that highlights each area of the County. A logo representing Travel Baker County with a sub-logo for events or attractions. This would focus more on attractions rather than County specific. Jessica suggesting using the Travel Baker County logo but add each City name under the logo.
A countywide event that would involve all areas of Baker County. Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally and Baker City Cycling Classic are examples of events that involve all areas of the County. Sheryl expressed her appreciation of the work that Jessica does and how helpful it is to organizers.
Tyler suggested developing a calendar that would indicate, at a glance, what types of recreations are available in Baker County month to month.
Developing more cycling trails that start within City limits. Jessica shared there is a route that takes cyclist from the Heritage Museum out to the Blue Mountains utilizing city streets. Dirty Free Hub has a cycling map of the Sumpter area.
Wayfinding signage could be incorporate with new kiosk.
Internal Partner and Industry Communications. The TLTC has done well with community partners attending meetings. Sheryl talked about changes to the Sumpter Merchants Group and website changes. Jessica talked about linking the Chamber, Baker City Downtown, Travel Baker County and other community websites to each other.
Tyler suggest the Committee read the Strategic Plan and come up with new Revised – Next Steps.
Work Session adjourned at 11:50 am
Respectfully Submitted: Shelly Christensen