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Lebanon council sets Aug. 5 special election on doubling lodging tax to fund tourism marketing
Summary
The Lebanon City Council authorized a special election Aug. 5 for voters to consider raising the city's lodging (hotel/motel) tax from 2.5% to 5% to finance tourism marketing aimed at nearby travel markets; councilors voted unanimously to place the question on the ballot.
The Lebanon City Council on Monday voted unanimously to call a special election Aug. 5 for voters to consider raising the city's lodging tax from 2.5% to 5%.
City staff told the council the increase would generate about $150,000 in incremental annual revenue and that the funds would be used for marketing and tourism promotion, focused on areas within roughly 50 miles of Lebanon to capture travelers heading to nearby recreational destinations.
The council placed the proposal on the ballot under authority the speaker cited as sections 67.1360 and 67.1362 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. A staff member said the special election is estimated to cost about $9,000. Council discussion noted the tourism committee's general support for the concept, while committee members had raised whether the increase might be "too much too fast." One councilor suggested a small public outreach committee to explain the measure to hotels and local stakeholders.
During the meeting the sponsoring staff member described the marketing plan as "marketing with a purpose," saying it would target visitors to attractions such as Bennett Springs and nearby interstate corridors. Council members agreed the city could provide informational materials about how the revenue would be used but noted the city cannot produce campaign material urging a particular vote.
The council voted to approve the ordinance calling the special election on first and second readings. The roll calls recorded all councilors present voting in favor: Atkins, Evans, Mitchell, Mizell, Wall, Jordan and Garner. The council recorded the ordinance as council bill 68-51 on passage.
City staff also said the tourism committee met after the prior council meeting and was "generally supportive" of an increase, though it voiced concern about pace and political risk. One councilor volunteered to help with public outreach; another offered staff assistance.
The council did not set campaign material or staffing beyond informational outreach. The staff member estimated the special election would be the only item on the Aug. 5 ballot for Lebanon.
Less critical details: staff estimated the special election cost at approximately $9,000 and projected incremental annual lodging-tax revenue of about $150,000 if voters approve the increase. The ordinance references the Revised Statutes of Missouri authorizing municipal lodging taxes.
