The Ocean Shores Marketing Coalition’s request for $245,000 in lodging-tax support drew pointed criticism from several LTAC members during the Oct. 9 meeting, prompting the committee to ask the coalition for detailed prior reports and to invite public questions.

Committee members said they want greater transparency and inclusiveness in the coalition’s marketing. "If you're holders of this kind of money and you're going to say these are all of our pet friendly accommodations in Ocean Shores, you need to list all pet friendly accommodations in Ocean Shores. Not just some of them," said Shannon, a committee member, describing feedback she has received from local business owners. Another member said the coalition’s website and booking engine appeared to favor certain businesses.

Members expressed disappointment that the coalition’s outreach and reporting did not meet expectations. The committee asked staff to collect past award reports and said it would open a public-question process so community members can submit items the coalition should address at its follow-up appearance.

Public commenters echoed concerns. An online commenter (John) asked for clearer accounting of how much of the lodging-tax funds must be held to service convention-center-related debt and requested “break points” showing the effect of a 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% holdback — figures the committee had discussed during the meeting. John also cited RCW 67.28.8116 to remind the committee of state limits on LTAC-eligible uses.

Committee members said they want the coalition to explain how it markets inclusively, how it measures hotel-room bookings tied to coalition activity, and how it uses the lodging-tax funds to benefit the entire Ocean Shores business community. They set a follow-up: the coalition is to return to the committee with prior year reporting and answers to community-submitted questions.

"I think that they need to come back and explain some of the things," said George, a convention-center representative. LTAC staff confirmed they will open a public-question submission process and will forward public comments and questions to the coalition in advance of its interview.