Hotel Tax Increase Debate
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
The election ballot this year has several possible tax increases and one of those is causing controversy between the city of Joplin and Newton County. The trouble comes over a proposed 3% sales tax increase added to motel rooms. One hotel owner says this would be an increase of $1.50 to $3 per hotel room. The argument is that hotel owners already pay a city tax and a county tax would be asking too much. But a coalition formed to support this increase sees it as a good way to raise much needed money.
Gary Roark - Newton Co. Tourism Commission
"It is so much easier for us to work together than it is for each town or county to do it on their own. So we see it as a good opportunity for people to work together and accomplish a lot that way."
The money raised would be used to help fund a visitors` center and promote tourism.
