A Surcharge Success in Ellensburg

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Story Published: Feb 3, 2010 at 7:30 PM PDT

By Ryan Simms

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ELLENSBURG -- A huge boost in tax revenue could put Ellensburg on the map for thousands of additional tourists this year.

From teacups, tennis rackets, and even typewriters, Deb Palmer sells a lot of antiques to Ellensburg's tourists.

"Our business peaks, and we might be very slow in between those times, and we count on (tourists) to carry us through," she tells Action News reporter Ryan Simms.

Soon tourists could "carry" Palmer's business a lot more. Last fall, Kittitas County leaders raised hotel room taxes by two percent. That's brought in about $14,000 a month ever since.

"The first payment we received was actually double in 2009 than what it was for '08, so that's a very good sign," says county commissioner Paul Jewell.

That extra money will be used to promote tourism in Kittitas County. It may also help bring consistent traffic into Palmer's antique shop.

And more visitors for Kittitas County could mean more visitors for Yakima County. Officials tell Action News the increase in tourism spending is meant to bolster business across the region, meaning Yakima County's days of budget cuts and financial problems could soon be alleviated as well ... all thanks to those buying those teacups in Ellensburg.

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