Sunnyside — The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) voted on Nov. 13 to recommend a funding package for 2026 that would prioritize the city’s largest signature events and a veterans memorial project while placing limits on awards for organizations judged to be self-sustaining. The committee will forward its recommendations to the City Council for final action.

The committee’s recommendations are rooted in the LTAC fund status the group reviewed at the meeting: LTAC staff reported a beginning fund balance for 2026 of $205,000 and an estimated lodging-tax allocation of about $120,000. Committee members repeatedly said they want to preserve a portion of that balance and asked organizers to document how awards would produce out-of-area hotel stays.

Votes at a glance: the committee recommended $30,000 for the Rotary-run Cinco de Mayo celebration (security and entertainment), $20,000 for Sunshine Days (security and entertainment), $15,000 for Sunnyside Summer Ale Fest, $10,000 to complete the Jerry Taylor Veterans Plaza memorial, $5,000 for the lighted farm implement parade, $5,000 for a new American Hill Climb championship, and a smaller award ($1,500) to the high-school Show & Shine car show. The committee recommended no LTAC funding for several applicants that it judged to be self-sustaining or not aligned with lodging-tax requirements (including Miss Sunnyside and the Washington Nitro Nationals).

Committee members framed the decisions around LTAC’s purpose: generating overnight stays and promoting Sunnyside to visitors. Tom Denley, a committee member, urged organizers to “show us the growth” in heads and beds before asking for larger sums; the committee asked several award recipients to report back with measurable results next year. Members also emphasized documentation: receipts and advertising strategies that extend beyond a 50-mile radius — the standard LTAC uses to judge visitor origin — will be required when grantees request reimbursement.

The committee also stated its intent to hold some funds in reserve for a citywide tourism marketing arrangement. Members noted the city had used an external contractor for short-form marketing this year and asked staff to produce contract details so the committee can consider a longer-term digital outreach plan.

The recommendations will be transmitted to Sunnyside City Council. Council will consider the package and make final awards and contract terms, including any conditions the committee attached (for example, requirements for receipts, reporting, and evidence of out-of-area promotion).