Tourism Promotion Agency Calls Ordinance Illegal

Washington County Commissioners authorized County Solicitor Gary Sweat to make modifications to the Hotel Tax Ordinance that governs how monies generated from the county’s hotel tax are used. The proposed ordinance will mimic an ordinance adopted in 2001 that will allow county commissioners input as to how to best use those tax funds. Currently 96% of tax revenue is sent to the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA). Commissioners wish to return to a format where 76% of tax revenue would be deposited to a joint account where both the county and WCTPA would decide which projects to fund and how monies are spent. Under the current ordinance and the proposed ordinance, the County Treasurer would receive a 4% administration fee. The new proposal would also include a 20% payment to the WCTPA. Sweat says that communication between the two organizations has been essentially non-existent regarding spending. Sweat says that according to a 2024 audit, $3 million is being “parked” in certificates of deposit instead of being used for promotional uses. Commissioners are also questioning consultant fees and salaries. Sweat did say that this will be a several month process before the draft ordinance is ready for review. Public hearings will be held and further changes could result from those hearings. In a statement released by Jeff Kotula, President of the WCTPA, he says that he is shocked that the commissioners approved authorizing the ordinance change. He said that the agency is confident that as the solicitor continues his research, he will find that provisions of the ordinance changes are illegal.