Residents press council for clarity on occupancy tax referendum; some worry measure is being reintroduced too soon

Several residents used the public-comment period to raise questions about the town—s decision to place an occupancy (hotel) tax referendum back on an upcoming ballot after a previous measure failed in February 2024.

Susan Somali (self-identifying as a 21-year resident) asked why the council was reintroducing the occupancy tax so soon after it was rejected, saying residents were puzzled and concerned the council was not respecting voters— previous decision. Somali said she attended the budget meeting where Town Manager Mike McLaurin reportedly suggested it would not take much money to place the question on the ballot and asked whom the council represents when reintroducing the measure.

Council members responded in the meeting. Dennis Gay said he opposed the tax personally but supported letting voters decide. Tom Ambergue and other council members explained the occupancy tax targets visitors (hotel guests), not residents, and that proceeds must be used for tourism-related expenses; they said other nearby towns collect such a tax and that the town staff recommended placing the question before voters again because they believed outreach had been insufficient previously. Council members said that if the tax is approved a tourism committee would be established to recommend uses for those funds.

Why it matters: An occupancy tax would change how visitor-related revenues are collected and spent in Indian Trail and could affect future funding for tourism and parks. Residents requested clearer public outreach and explanation of how the tax would be used.

Ending: Council members asked residents to bring concerns to the town manager or parks staff for a longer discussion and said staff would follow up with additional information to address questions about the proposal and the ballot placement.