Lodging tax funds $60,000 in Aberdeen events

The lodging tax will continue to help fund Aberdeen events and recreational projects through 2015.

Mayor Bill Simpson received authorization from the City Council to enter into contracts dispersing lodging tax funds in 2015 to several mainstay events as well as some new morale boosters (beautifying the city with hanging flower baskets downtown), following a recommendation from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

In total, the city has budgeted $60,000 for the following events:

• Fourth of July Splash Festival $15,000

• Greater Grays Harbor Inc. (visitor information center funding), $10,000

• Our Aberdeen Art Promotion Committee (murals), $7,500

• Aberdeen Revitalization Movement (Art Walk on July 26), $6,000

• Grays Harbor Creative Arts Foundation, Cobain Tribute Concert (Feb. 21), $5,000

• Washington State Powerlifting Tournament (May 30), $5,000

• Founders Day Parade (June 26-27) Committee (ARM), $4,000

• Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority (brochure), $3,500

• Midnight Cruizers Car Show (July 26), $3,000

• Aberdeen Beautification Committee (flower baskets), $1,000

Most events and organizations received less than they asked for. Some received half of their request — Great Grays Harbor Inc. had requested $20,000, and the powerlifting tournament had asked for $10,000. The Aberdeen Revitalization Movement, Our Aberdeen Art Promotion Committee and the Grays Harbor Creative Arts Foundation each received their requested funding. The only project to receive more than its request was the flower basket project, receiving $1,000 instead of the requested $750.

The city had budgeted $60,000 in 2014 as well.

The Lodging Tax Committee is comprised of lodging-tax payers (guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments) and recipients of funds (ARM, Greater Grays Harbor Inc., to name a couple).