With 75% of those voting supporting the measure in a special election earlier this month a seven percent hotel motel tax will begin in the City of Washington January 1st.

At Tuesday’s Washington City Council meeting, the first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously. City Administrator Brent Hinson explained what will be done with the funds that are collected, “This was something that the committee that studied this recommended is to have a fund administration committee that will be approved by the council to essentially kind of work out how do we best strategically spend this money for the promotion of Washington. So, that’s really the only real twist here versus what other cities might have.”

Two more readings of the ordinance will be held by council. Hinson explained at the third reading council will also consider a resolution laying out the administrative rules for the fund committee.