Port Angeles City Council

**Lodging Tax Administration Funding** This issue generated the most extensive debate of the evening. Staff presented data showing dramatic growth in the program - from managing 16 contracts and $600,000 in 2015 to potentially 50 contracts and over $2.1 million in 2026. Natural Resources and Grant Administrator Courtney Bornsworth explained that previous staff requests had been "artificially low" under a "business as usual model." The controversy centered on the City's decision to come directly to Council rather than going through LTAC first. Staff argued this was necessary because the 2026 budget was out of balance and departments were directed to eliminate General Fund subsidies. The LTAC had recommended only $55,000 for oversight, leaving nearly $79,000 to be subsidized by the General Fund. Several council members defended the approach. Council Member LaTrecia Suggs emphasized that managing $2 million requires dedicated staff time and noted that 12% is lower than typical grant administration fees of 15-30%. Deputy Mayor Navarra Carr highlighted the extensive work staff provides, including training sessions, one-on-one meetings with applicants, and managing potentially 50 contracts. Council Member John Hamilton opposed the motion, arguing it was "premature" since LTAC would review the request in April anyway. Council Member Drew Schwab also voted against, citing unanswered questions about the process. **ARC Team and Homelessness Response** The discussion of the Aligned Response and Care team revealed tensions about the pace of action on homelessness issues. While Council ultimately agreed to postpone major policy discussions until April, Council M…

**Public Opposition to Lodging Tax Proposal** Multiple speakers strongly opposed the lodging tax administrative fee increase: **Stephen Pelayo** argued the City doesn't run tourism programs or design marketing campaigns, so comparing to typical grant administration fees of 15-30% is inappropriate. He called the approach "avoidance" of the LTAC committee and questioned the dramatic increase when lodging taxes were up only 3% in 2025. **Kelly Johnson** fully supported Pelayo's arguments and called the 12% "not justified" and said it "bypasses the LTAC process and undermines public trust." **John Worthington** questioned whether the City needs to spend potentially $112,000 and noted confusion about the process, asking whether the City was "circumventing LTAC." **Public Support for ARC Team Delay** Several speakers supported postponing the ARC discussion: **Nancy Stefans** backed the staff recommendation to wait until after the legislative session, noting "we won't know what the state will allow until after March 12." **Elle…

**Courtney Bornsworth, on lodging tax administration:** "Prior to this year, staff had been requesting support for administering L tax funds based on a business as usual model resulting in a request that was artificially low." **Stephen Pelayo, on lodging tax methodology:** "When the city staff compares, you know, this proposal to so called normal grant administration costs that range between 15 to 30 %, that comparison just simply doesn't hold. That percentage would apply to organizations th…

**Policy Changes:** - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding procedures now formally allocate 12% of annual revenues for City administrative oversight, reducing General Fund subsidy by approximately $134,000 - ARC team meetings officially paused until April 7th work session, formalizing what had been an informal suspension - Mayor Dexter appointed as City Council representative to criminal justice contract negotiations with Clallam County **Financial Commitments:** - Up to $75,000 authorized for criminal justice consulting services to analyze County cost methodologies - Three-year lease commitment with Port of Port Angeles for Parks Department operations at $85,712 annually - Over $3.6 million in expenditures approved through consent …

A structured study guide helping readers understand the meeting's content and context. Written for a general civic audience — assume no prior knowledge of the issues. ### Meeting Overview Port Angeles City Council held their regular meeting on February 3, 2026, preceded by a closed executive session. The main focus was on three major items: updating the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee funding procedures, approving a marine science center project presentation, and discussing future planning for homelessness response strategies. ### Key Terms and Concepts Define 5-8 terms, phrases, or concepts that came up in this meeting that a general reader might not know. **Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC):** A citizen committee that reviews applications and makes recommendations on how to spend lodging tax revenue collected from hotel stays. Their recommendations go to City Council for final approval. **Administrative Costs:** The expenses associated with managing a program, including staff time, contract management, legal review, and financial oversight. In this context, 12% of lodging tax revenue ($134,000) requested to cover the cost of administering the program. **Aligned Response and Care (ARC) Team:** A cross-departmental team formed to coordinate City efforts to help unsheltered individuals access safe facilities while maintaining public spaces. Meetings have been paused pending a work session. **Executive Session/Closed Session:** A private meeting portion where elected officials can discuss certain confidential matters like collective bargaining, legal issues, or personnel matters. The public is excluded but no action can be taken. **Fidelity Insurance:** Insurance that protects against employee theft or fraud. Required for staff who handle public funds, with coverage amounts based on the funds they manage. **Marine Discovery Center:** A new $24 million marine science education facility being built by the Feiro Marine Life Center in partnership with the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. **Work Session:** A meeting format where council members discuss policy issues in depth but don't take formal votes. Scheduled for April 7 to discuss homelessness and camping policies. **Criminal Justice Services Contract:** An agreement with Clallam County for prosecution, court, public defense, and jail services. The current contract extension runs through June 30, 2026, while negotiations continue. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kate Dexter | Mayor | | Navaro Carr | Deputy Mayor | | John Hamilton | Council Member | | Amy Miller | Council Member | | Drew Schwab | Council Member | | LaTrisha Suggs | Council Member | | Mar…