MONROE — The City Council agreed Tuesday night to join a half dozen other cities in a tourism promotion area covering all of Snohomish County, after initial objections to the plan.
The council’s 5-1 decision came after a lengthy discussion. The decision allows local hotels with 50 or more rooms to impose a $1 per night room tax. Councilwoman Bridgette Tuttle cast the no vote.
Councilman Tom Williams was absent.
Hoteliers have lobbied for permission to start a marketing fund to attract people to conventions and sporting events. They need to work with cities and Snohomish County because the money would be collected as a tax.
Six other cities have joined the promotion area and two others continue to discuss it. If any decide not to join, industry and local governments will have to start from scratch drawing up agreements.
Monroe had been reluctant to join due to concerns it was adding a new level of bureaucracy and a new tax. Officials also worried it would be hard for hotels to leave the program if they wanted out.
Councilmen John Stima and Kurt Goering wanted to amend the resolution to create a clause allowing any city to leave after three years. That motion failed 2-4.
Councilwoman Patsy Cudaback was the most vocal in favor, saying she has not heard any opposition from local business owners and residents.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
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