HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2024-002 Recommend Reinstate Bed Tax Allocation1
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Sponsored by: Schutter
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 2024-002
A RESOLUTION OF THE PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, RECOMMENDING CITY
COUNCIL REINSTATE THE ALLOCATION OF 50% OF THE PREVIOUS
YEAR'S BED TAX TO THE SEWARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR
MARKETING SERVICES
WHEREAS, beginning in 2001, the Seward City Council agreed to split half of the
budgeted bed tax with the Chamber for the express purpose of providing marketing services on
behalf of the community; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 2002, the Seward City Council began basing the contribution
to the Chamber of half of the previous full year's actual bed tax collected; and
WHEREAS, since 2005, the City budget has included an appropriation to the Chamber
from the second previous full year's bed tax revenue at 50%; and
WHEREAS, in 2013, Council reaffirmed its intent to have the Chamber continue as the
lead marketing entity, and to continue its intent to annual fund with half of the actual Bed Tax
Revenue from each second prior year; and
WHEREAS, the City's Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Plan clearly state the City's
desire to expand its business base and generate year-round employment; and
WHEREAS, marketing is an important effort that must take place to achieve the goals of
attracting new business and industry, supporting and growing existing businesses, and increasing
customers coming to Seward; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber has the experience, professional contacts, and ability to provide
marketing services for the community, and the acumen to focus resources and target specific
marketing groups to react to changing markets and demands more efficiently and expertly than
PACAB or the City; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the Seward City Council voted to allocate a flat rate of $300,000 for
the fiscal year 2023 and 2024 to the Chamber, to be reviewed at the next budget cycle; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber provides monthly updates on activities to PACAB and works
collaboratively with the business community to promote Seward for year round travel, such as
Seward Winter Weekends and the Seward Travel Guide and Seward Hometown Guide; and
WHEREAS, the Chamber financially supports and facilitates the Seward office of the
Alaska Small Business Development Center located in the Chamber offices, and supports small
PORT AND COMMERCE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 2024-002
Page 2 of 2
business growth and economic development by participating in the collaboration of Alaska
Entrepreneurial Week; and
WHEREAS, PACAB recognizes that fully funding 50% of the bed tax to the Chamber
supports a coordinated community -wide marketing effort and is critical to the success of the City's
economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board,
that:
Section 1. The Port and Commerce Advisor Board (PACAB) recommends the City Council
reinstate the allocation of 50% of the previous year's bed tax to the Seward Chamber of Commerce
for Marketing Services.
Section 2. This recommendation shall be provided to City Council on the next available
agenda.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the Port and Commerce Advisory Board this 2nd day of
October 2024.
THE CITY F SEWARD, ALASKA
Bruce Jaffa; r hair
AYES: Groom, Schutter, Smith, Regis, Atwood, Jaffa
NOES: None
ABSENT: Miller
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
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