Bill Dies…for Now
A bill that would have given Oregon cities more flexibility with local lodging tax revenue has died in the Legislature. House Bill 3962 passed the House earlier this month but stalled in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee before the session adjourned on June 27th. The measure would have allowed cities to use up to 60 percent of hotel and motel tax revenue for community services like parks, emergency response, and public transit—lowering the required tourism allocation from 70 to 40 percent. The bill also called for a statewide study on local tax use and revenue sharing. Supporters said the change could help smaller cities struggling to fund services for both residents and visitors. But the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association opposed the shift, warning it could hurt tourism investment and reduce accountability. With the session now over, HB 3962 is considered dead—unless lawmakers revive it in a possible special session.
TLT Tax Increase Averted
A proposal to raise Oregon’s statewide lodging tax to fund wildlife conservation failed to pass before the Legislature adjourned last Friday. House Bill 2977 would have increased the state lodging tax from 1.5 to 2.5 percent, dedicating the new revenue to a “Recovering Oregon’s Wildlife Fund.” Supporters said it would help protect endangered species and restore habitats, but tourism groups opposed the tax hike. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support and cleared a Senate committee, but never made it to the Senate floor for a final vote before the June 27th deadline.
City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at City Hall with a full agenda. The evening includes employee recognition and invitations to two upcoming events—the City Block Party on July 18th and National Night Out on August 5th. A public hearing will be held on proposed changes to the city’s System Development Charges code, including updates to deferral and exemption programs. Council will also consider adjustments to the city’s fee schedule and a street closure request for the July 18th Block Party in Old Town.
