October 31, 2022 |
A local lodging tax proposal is on the ballot for next week’s election.
Leslie Jefferson is the CEO of the Carbon County Visitors’ Council. During this election cycle, she has been traveling around the county to inform the public about what her organization does and how it benefits the people of Carbon County. Up for approval on this year’s election ballot is the 2% lodging tax.
Leslie Jefferson said the Wyoming legislature first allowed county governments to tax overnight rentals in 1986.
Pictured above: File photo of the Carbon County Visitors’ Center. Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Spearheaded by local hotel owners, Carbon County held a special election in February of 1987 to levy their own lodging tax. It passed. Every four years since then, residents have voted to continue the 2% tax.
In 2020, the Wyoming legislator voted to institute a state-wide lodging tax of 5%. The state funnels 3% of that tax revenue directly into an account for the Wyoming Office of Tourism. With government approval, the Office of Tourism receives 80% of the revenue, freeing up money in the General Fund for other state agencies. Jefferson explains where the other 2% from the 5% state lodging tax goes.
The Carbon County Visitors’ Council is our county’s local lodging tax board. On top of the state-wide lodging tax, Carbon County has their own 2% tax. Of that 2%, the CCVC gives 10% of what each municipality generates back to the town.
Taxes are confusing. Sometimes, it seems, purposely so. Leslie said the visitors’ council is working hard to help residents see how her board puts the money to work for the county. The CCVC sponsors and promotes community events. They also offer grants for activities that bring in overnight stays, like conferences. Jefferson said the state-wide lodging tax brought fewer restrictions on what they can use the money for.
Jefferson said the main selling point of the county lodging tax is that most locals simply don’t pay it. Although, there is no data showing what percentage of the tax is collected from residents, Jefferson stated that it is mostly travelers who are charged. During her tour of the county, Jefferson said that most people seem to agree that the tax should continue.
With the introduction of the state-wide lodging tax, the need for our local equivalent is in doubt. The Carbon County Visitors’ Council’s, Leslie Jefferson, said her board of directors has put the future of the county tax in the hands of the people.
According to a letter from the CCVC, Saratoga’s lodging tax made up 3.33% of the total amount of money brought in for the month of September. Ten percent of which amounted to a payment of $707.74.
On November 10th, the Carbon County Visitors’ Council will celebrate the 44th anniversary of the founding of the Continental Divide Trail at their new office. Located at 105 East Cedar Street, in Rawlins, the building is on the CDT. From 5 to 7pm, there will be a birthday celebration for the trail, complete with cake. Jefferson said the Continental Divide Trail Collation will give a talk about sustainable outdoor exploration.
The Carbon County Visitors’ Council’s 2% lodging tax will be on your ballot this November 8th.
