Pasco council approves 2026 lodging-tax allocations, uses fund balance for soccer complex fence

The Pasco City Council on Sept. 15 approved the lodging-tax advisory committee’s recommendations for 2026, allocating the projected $850,000 in lodging tax revenue and agreeing to use a portion of the fund balance to cover selected projects.

Assistant City Manager and LTAC staff told the council that total projected revenue for 2026 is $850,000 and that the committee received 22 requests totaling more than $1.5 million. Because the lodging-tax fund has accumulated a balance, the committee recommended using approximately $135,000 of that fund balance to pay for prioritized items, including a fence at the Pasco Soccer Complex to improve safety and to better attract tournaments.

Angela Pashon, assistant city manager, said the committee’s goal was to concentrate scarce dollars on activities that generate overnight stays and touristic activity. “The annual lodging tax process is funded through the local 4% lodging tax on short-term accommodations,” she said, and the committee’s allocations reflected that priority.

Council members debated a small number of line items and discussed whether to continue past allocations such as Gesa Stadium debt service and the mural program. Councilwoman Melissa Blaisdell requested staff continue to seek a sponsor for the local mural program because of its downtown vitality. Mayor Pro Tem Charles Grimm moved to approve the LTAC recommendations; Councilwoman Blaisdell seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

What it changes: The approved package directs lodging-tax dollars to tourism marketing, events and facility operations as recommended by LTAC for 2026 and authorizes the one-time use of fund balance for select investments intended to increase hotel stays and tourism activity.