In a recent government meeting, a local official proposed a coordinated effort to address the growing concerns surrounding Airbnb operations in West Virginia. The official highlighted the lack of compliance from Airbnb regarding tax reporting to county authorities, which has become a significant issue for local governments.

The proposal includes drafting a letter to the state tax department, the governor, and members of the state legislature, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action. The official noted that several county commissions, including those from Tucker, Mineral, and Grant counties, have expressed their support for this initiative.

The discussion underscored the challenges faced by smaller counties in enforcing tax compliance from a global company like Airbnb. The official pointed out that California has taken proactive measures in this regard, suggesting that West Virginia could benefit from similar legislation to ensure fair tax practices.

Concerns were raised about the potential legal ramifications of Airbnb's non-compliance, with the official warning that the situation could lead to significant issues for local governments. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of addressing these challenges to protect the interests of West Virginia's counties and their tourism-dependent economies.