During public comment at Tuesday's Chaffee County meeting, several residents urged the Board of County Commissioners to reconsider a proposed lodging‑tax increase and to provide clearer information about how any new revenue would be administered.

Lehi Hart, a resident and longtime regenerative‑development practitioner, told the board a threefold jump in the lodging tax (from roughly 2% toward a proposed 6% cap) "feels like too much too fast for visitors, small businesses and the public trust." Hart argued a sudden increase could depress shoulder‑season bookings, push visitation into already congested peak periods and accelerate day‑tripper patterns that impose costs on county services without matching revenue.

Hart also criticized the ballot language because it does not specify who would administer the funds and how allocations between communities would be decided. "The ballot measure doesn't say who will administer the funds," Hart said, noting a public perception that revenues might flow to the visitors bureau and asking on what authority and accountability any allocation decisions would be made.

A commissioner responded during public comment that, as with other local taxes, the county would administer the tax and that the county's visitor bureau would receive a portion of the revenue. The commissioner said the visitor bureau would receive approximately 15 percent and that the remainder would fund roads, housing, EMS and other services Hart had highlighted.

Why it matters: Lodging taxes fund visitor services and infrastructure in many resort and recreation economies; a higher rate would change the county's revenue picture and could affect lodging businesses and visitors' behavior. Public speakers called for clearer implementation details and former distribution plans before the ballot measure advances.

(Ending) Commissioners and staff did not adopt any action on the ballot language at the meeting. Public comments were recorded and the board discussed related agenda items elsewhere in the meeting.