Missouri’s special election is happening on August 5th, and one city is bringing a topic to the table that hasn’t been voted on since 1999.
Lebanon city leaders have had a 2.5% lodging tax in effect on hotels, motels, Airbnb’s, and campgrounds for the past 26 years, but that percentage could be upped at this year’s special election.
The ballot proposal asks that the tax be increased from 2.5% to 5%.
The money collected from the tax goes towards the promotion of tourism to the city, and this increase in extra funds will be used for further advertising, marketing, and conducting tourist demographic studies.
If passed, the tax increase to 5% will be the maximum and no further increase will be proposed.
Lebanon Mayor Jared Carr says that though many don’t love taxes, this specific lodging tax would only apply to tourists or anyone who rents rooms at any lodging establishments within the city.
Photo courtesy of Envato Elements.