Custer County Considers Increasing Lodging Tax to 6 Percent for Tourism Funding

Custer County officials are gearing up for a potential increase in the lodging tax, with discussions centered around a proposed hike from 2% to 6%. During a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting, members emphasized the importance of tapping into new revenue streams to support local initiatives, particularly in tourism and workforce housing.

Commissioner Jim highlighted the need for a decisive motion, stating, "We need to either do it or we don't." He argued that raising the tax would not deter tourists, as many are willing to pay for premium accommodations. "The people paying it don't even notice," he noted, suggesting that the increase could provide much-needed funds for community projects.

The conversation also touched on the necessity of gathering data to inform the decision. Several commissioners expressed a desire to understand the potential impact of the tax increase on local businesses and tourism. "We need to get the data," said another commissioner, emphasizing the importance of community input before finalizing any decisions.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the approaching ballot deadline, with ballots set to be mailed out on October 10. Officials acknowledged the need for a robust public education campaign to ensure residents understand that the tax would primarily affect visitors, not local citizens.

As the meeting concluded, a motion was passed to move forward with drafting a resolution for the proposed tax increase, with plans to discuss the specifics in the next meeting. The board aims to finalize the details and present a clear message to voters, reinforcing the potential benefits of the increased revenue for Custer County's future.