The Jefferson County Historical Society was one of a number of organizations awarded lodging tax funds for 2018. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

The Jefferson County Historical Society was one of a number of organizations awarded lodging tax funds for 2018. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

Jefferson commissioners approve $494,000 in lodging tax funds

PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County commissioners approved $494,343 in lodging tax funds to a number of local organizations including the Jefferson County Historical Society, Centrum, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and the Chimacum Farmers Market.

The commissioners approved the recommendations from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which fully funded the grant requests from all 11 organizations that requested funding for 2018.

The total request from all 11 organizations was $494,343, compared to the $445,000 allocated last year. The commissioners also approved $11,260 for contingency funds and to pay the administrative costs of administering the funds.

That brings the total budget for the 2018 lodging tax funds to $505,603.

$3,018 was rolled over from the 2016-2017 budget, which had $34,343 in excess. The remaining funds will be rolled over into the excess funds balance for next year.

The Tourism Coordinating Council had the highest allocation of $150,000 and the Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center was allocated the second highest amount of $66,700 for 2018.

The Jefferson County Historical Society and North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center were both allocated just over $60,000 for the coming year.

The Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center was allocated $38,445, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation campgrounds got $41,625, the Chimacum Farmers Market received $4,205, and the Washington State University extension Farm Tour got $10,000 — twice what was budgeted for last year.

Centrum also received $20,000 in funding, which was lower than the $30,000 requested. The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce received $19,468 and the Quilcene Historical Museum was allocated $23,610.

Lodging tax funds go toward supporting local nonprofits, generally those that support local tourism and historic preservation across Jefferson County.

Funds are distributed every year in November based on recommendations by an advisory board, but all allocations must be approved by the county commissioners.

On Monday county commissioners unanimously approved the allocations for 2018.

Organizations are required to apply for the funds, however in 2018 there were fewer applications.

In 2017, the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Quilcene Fair and Parade were given funds through the lodging tax, but they were not on the list of recipients for 2018.

However, the 2017 budget had $34,343 of unallocated or rollover funds.

________

Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Peninsula College nursing students, from left, Emily Haddock of Lewiston, Idaho, Jordan Hegtvedt of Sequim and Chaela Cashman of Port Angeles adjust each other’s mortar boards in preparation for commencement ceremonies on Saturday on the college’s Port Angeles campus. A total of 328 students were expected to take part in two ceremonies with 530 students eligible for diplomas and certificates for the 2024-25 academic year. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Graduation prep

Peninsula College nursing students, from left, Emily Haddock of Lewiston, Idaho, Jordan… Continue reading

Next steps outlined in Olympic Medical Center process

CEO: Update on status will be ‘coming soon’

Cooling centers would extend hours, if needed

Summer forecast calls for warmer, smokier conditions, public health specialist says

Elwha River bridge set to be demolished

Clallam commissioners receive road construction updates

Sequim city staff are considering next options for a house and various outbuildings in Gerhardt Park after a recent surplus auction resulted in no bids. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim considers options for house in park

Public provided no bids during process that ended June 6

Three injured following crash near Forks

Three people were injured following a two-car collision on state… Continue reading

Power outage scheduled for West End customers

Clallam County Public Utility District No. 1 has announced a… Continue reading

Chimacum High School senior Jesse Daniels takes crazy cell phone photos of his classmates while waiting to march to the gym for his graduation ceremony at Chimacum High on Saturday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lasting memories

Chimacum High School senior Jesse Daniels takes crazy cell phone photos of… Continue reading

Cadence Harlan and Sophia Petta lead their class of 99 Port Townsend High School graduating seniors through the Rhododendron Garden at Fort Worden State Park on Friday for their graduation ceremony at McCurdy Pavilion. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Graduation walk

Cadence Harlan and Sophia Petta lead their class of 99 Port Townsend… Continue reading

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula
Carrie Blake Community Park, pictured last summer, returns as a Summer Meal Program destination through the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula and the Department of Agriculture. Meals are offered to children ages 1-18 from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the park on weekdays, except July 4, through Aug. 27.
Free student meals programs start in Port Angeles, Sequim

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula has launched its… Continue reading

Security exercise set for Wednesday at Indian Island

Naval Magazine Indian Island will conduct a security training… Continue reading

Carissa Guiley of Silverdale, left, along with daughters Mia Guiley, 5, and Evelyn Guiley, 8, peer over a rocky bluff at a sea stack in Crescent Bay on Saturday near Port Crescent. The family was on an outing at Salt Creek County Recreation Area. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
What’s over the edge?

Carissa Guiley of Silverdale, left, along with daughters Mia Guiley, 5, and… Continue reading