The new tax will apply to all county lodging facilities except facilities located in cities which have already passed the additional 2 percent tax. Since the law allowing the 2 percent add-on tax was passed last November, Winthrop, Conconully, Brewster and Coulee Dam have imposed the tax. Commissioners planned to work details out in upcoming weeks, but plan to create an action plan for funds to promote tourism county-wide. Mick Munson, chair of the Tourist Advisory Board, said 40 percent of the funds go toward paying off the Agriplex at the Okanogan County fairgrounds while 60 percent promotes tourism. Of that 60 percent, he said 40 percent of those funds market winter activities.
Organizations have to apply to the board to receive funds each year.
Commissioners were encouraged by audience members to impose the tax so a county-wide approach could be used for tourism promotion. Since commissioners acted on the issue, other towns and cities no longer have the option to impose it and dedicate those funds to other projects. Before marketing itself, Okanogan County has to have things to market. At an Omak-Okanogan workshop last month, Brooks shared similar comments about the City of Okanogan. Since tourists' favorite activities include shopping and eating, Brooks said people look for high-class places such as Sun Mountain Lodge.