Operations-2017-Economic Group of Kittitas County

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This is an ongoing expense which increases with compensation rates and overall inflation. It is an allowed use of lodging tax funds by the County. C. Laptop Computers - $4,000 These funds will purchase four laptop computers for use by the County's LTAC. By purchasing these computers the County will be able to better manage public records associated with the various lodging tax programs and the work of the committee. This will also better manage the personal risk of individual committee members by not asking them to create potentially disclosable records on their personal devices. This is essential in our ability to recruit and retain committee members. This expense is directly related to the operations of a tourism -related facility owned by the County as the laptop computers will be designated as such according to the definition for tourism -related facility contained in the statute on page two of this application. This is a one-time expense for at least the next 3 — 5 years. D. Laserfiche Licensing - $3,500 The County is making a concerted effort to fully digitize the grant application process by utilizing Laserfiche brand software. This will allow us to better manage the process, better manage risk associated with public records, and create a better experience for applicants and committee volunteers. We are introducing the new digitized application as part of this year's Consolidated Lodging Tax Grant Application for Special Events and Projects. In order to fully implement the program, each lodging tax committee member from each participating municipality must have a Laserfiche license. We are proposing to pay for them all with this funding request. This is a one-time expense with no further funding obligation. It is an allowed use of lodging tax funds by the County. E. Contract for Services with the United States Forest Service - $12,000 Last year Kittitas County entered into a contract with the USFS to assist them with funding to allow their visitor's information center in Cle Elum to remain open weekends during busy recreation seasons. The County believes it is valuable that weekend visitors to the Cle Elum area who are intending to recreate on USFS lands have information regarding current conditions and area attractions available to them. This funding request will fund another contract for services between Kittitas County and the USFS during 2017 and 2018. While this request is not related directly to the operations of a tourism -related facility owned or operated by a municipality, it is for a tourism -related facility owned and operated by the USFS. Through a contract for services between the County and the USFS, it is an allowable use of lodging tax funds.