Groups encouraged to apply for share of tax receipts

A municipal advisory committee is taking applications from organizations that want to promote tourism with Spokane Valley’s lodging tax receipts.

City officials already have awarded $90,000 to the CenterPlace community center and $15,000 for promotion of the 2010 U.S. figure skating championships, leaving an estimated $300,000 in 2009 tax receipts for distribution.

The money is used to reimburse organizations when they complete contracted promotional activities.

Next year’s estimated total of $405,000 is down one-third from this year’s estimated $609,300 because of the adverse economy.

Technically, the money is a share of the state sales tax – equivalent to 2 percent of motel room charges.

It is separate from the 2 percent sales tax surcharge that brings the tax on lodging bills in Spokane and Spokane Valley to 10.6 percent. The surcharge is reserved for facilities development, while cities are given another 2 percent to promote tourism.

The Spokane Valley City Council’s awards for this year include $306,000 to the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, $145,000 to the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, $90,000 to CenterPlace, $8,300 to the Spokane Winery Association and $30,000 each to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center and the Valleyfest organization.

To apply for a share of next year’s receipts, organizations must submit applications to the Spokane Valley Lodging Tax Advisory Committee by 4 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Applications and more information are available at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., or at www.spokanevalley.org.