City of Sisters snapshot

News clips of happenings around town

• A new online reservation system for Creekside Campground is set to go live as soon as a few tweaks are completed. The new system should greatly reduce the workload for financial administrative assistant Julie Pieper, who said, "I am thrilled. The new system is easier for everyone involved."

The new system is accessible through the City website (www.ci.sisters.or.us). The site will contain a map of the campground with photos of each campsite and a map with driving directions will be emailed with each reservation confirmation. A direct link to the reservation site will be contained in all City advertising, such as that done by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Sisters City Council is exploring the possibility of raising the transient room tax (TRT) charged for all overnight lodging in Sisters from eight percent to nine-and-nine-tenths percent. Seventy percent of the TRT goes to the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce in support of their efforts to market Sisters to potential tourists. The other 30 percent goes to the City of Sisters.

At their February 11 meeting, Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the possible TRT increase and invites public comment at that meeting. Council is considering utilizing the 30 percent raised through the TRT as an income stream to establish a housing trust fund that could help attract developers of affordable/workforce housing to build in Sisters.

• The City has received applications for liquor licenses from Sisters Ranch Grill and Saloon (formerly Bronco Billy's), Sisters Meats and Smokehouse, Hop in the Spa, and Rio Restaurant (new owners).