offered the only testimony opposing the measure. In particular they objected that the hike was too large and too abrupt. They also noted that the proposed effective date of July 1, 2025, would conflict with summer season rental agreements finalized months ago. In response, the Commissioners instructed their staff to revise the proposed ordinance with language that would (1) reduce the tax hike from 15% to 14%, (2) defer the effective date until after Labor Day and (3) phase in the hike over a period of two years instead of all at once. The Commissioners will consider these changes at its next public hearing, which is scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, at 10 a.m. at the County Courthouse. Click on the following link for the revised ordinance (once completed by staff) and a link to attend the next hearing remotely. TLT measure webpage .
Correction: Our coverage of the TLT hike in last Sunday’s issue of The Oceansider referenced an Oregon Coast Visitor’s Association article addressing “myths” surrounding Oregon’s transient lodging tax but erroneously attributed it to the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. Thanks to the TCVA for calling this to our attention.
The consortium led by Portland developer Nile Hagen has allowed its county land use application for construction of a luxury hotel at Maxwell Point (the former House on the Hill) to lapse and expire. Community Development Director Sarah Absher shared that news at the Oceanside Neighborhood Association meeting yesterday morning (Saturday). In late August 2024, the county formally notified the developer that its application lacked legally required information and was therefore “incomplete.” The 180-day deadline for completing the application expired on January 29, 2025, which means that the developer must start the application process over again.
This development follows months of assurances by the developer that it intended to follow through on the project despite some disagreement with the county’s decision. It also comes as the Rob Trost Realty “for sale” yard sign recently disappeared from the property’s front gate. (It has long been understood that the developer’s offer to purchase the property was contingent on obtaining specified land use approvals from the county.) The Oceansider has reached out to both Mr. Hagen and realtor Dusty Trost for comment and clarification.
Officials from the Tillamook County People’s Utility District (TPUD) will attend the Oceanside Community Club monthly potluck Monday evening to report on the status of the new power transmission line currently under construction between Tillamook and Oceanside. The line will provide an alternative source of power to avoid outages when the existing line along Highway 131 is damaged or under repair. For more information, see the article we posted last month [About those Power Outages! (Jan. 5, 2025)].
A significant number of Oceanside homes have tested positive for harmful radon levels over the past few years. Indoor radon levels tend to rise in winter, which makes it a good time to conduct testing. The Oceanside Protection Society community foundation purchased home radon testers several years ago, and wonderful Oceansider Pat Himes administers a volunteer program to lend them out free of charge. Those interested in participating may contact The Oceansider at the email address below, and we will put you in touch with her.
February 3 Oceanside Community Club Potluck – 6 p.m.
Oceanside Community Hall
PUD Guest Speakers: Todd Simmons (Gen. Mgr.),
K.C. Fagen (Managing Engineer), Joanna
Stelzig (Public Relations)
February 10 & ONA Zoning/Planning Comm. Meetings – 5 p.m.
February 24 Oceanside Community Hall and by Zoom
Re: Revisions to Oceanside Zoning Ordinances
for Implementing State Middle Housing Mandate in
Senate Bill 406
February 16 Conscious Dance – 5:30 p.m.
Oceanside Community Club
And that’s the view from Oceanside!
jerrykeene@oceansidernews.com