A. The Auburn lodging tax advisory committee shall meet as often as may be required to meet the statutory duties described in RCW 67.28.1817, and shall make reports and recommendations to the mayor and city council.

B. The lodging tax advisory committee shall make recommendations regarding the lodging tax to city council, preside over the budget for tourism-related activities based on the lodging tax collected, and provide the final approval for the implementation of a business plan. The committee shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations which shall be a public record open to public inspection.

C. The committee shall, by resolution, fix the time and place within the city for regular meetings, hold at least two regular meetings each year when there is new official business to transact, and hold additional meetings as the chairperson or a majority of the committee deems necessary.

D. The committee shall consider proposals for imposition of a city lodging tax under Chapter 67.28 RCW, establish a proposed budget for the expenditure of lodging tax revenues, and interview and designate lodging tax grant recipients.

E. If such a tax is adopted, the committee shall review any increases in the rate of tax imposed, repeal of any exemption from a tax imposed or a change in the use of revenue received under Chapter 67.28 RCW. The committee shall consider any such proposal, provide for public input, and submit comments in a timely manner to the mayor and city council. The comments shall include an analysis of the extent to which the proposal will accommodate activities for tourists or increase tourism, and the extent to which the proposal will affect the long-term stability of the fund created under RCW 67.28.1815.

F. The Auburn lodging tax advisory committee shall also make such other recommendations to the city council on tourism promotion and tourism-related issues as are consistent with the functions of the committee as provided herein. (Ord. 6634 § 2, 2017; Ord. 6040 § 1, 2006; Ord. 5920 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5554 § 1, 2001.)