Ross Ragland board asks Klamath County to pursue 2% transient room tax increase for arts programming

Representatives of the Ross Ragland Theater asked the Klamath County Board of Commissioners on July 14 to consider pursuing a 2% increase in the county's transient (hotel) room tax to provide dedicated funding for arts programming.

Paul Stewart and Ross Ragland Board members Francine Marseille, Robin Raiter and Jay Schindler presented a written proposal and told the Board they had received vigorous opposition from some hoteliers based on prior failed efforts. The presenters asked the Board to pursue stakeholder outreach to build consensus and to weigh alternatives such as a five‑year levy.

Commissioner Minty said securing support from major stakeholders — including museum advocates, Discover Klamath, hoteliers and fairgrounds representatives — would be critical to the proposal's success. Commissioner DeGroot said the timeline was tight and urged caution. The Board did not take a vote; members directed staff and proponents to continue outreach and report back.

The record does not include a draft ordinance, projected revenue estimates or a public hearing schedule. County staff and the Ross Ragland representatives agreed to continue stakeholder engagement before any formal action.