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Routt County commissioners back 6% countywide lodging tax for 2025 ballot
Summary
In a work session, commissioners agreed to place a countywide 6% lodging tax on the 2025 ballot to help pay for infrastructure and public safety needs in unincorporated areas; they chose no sunset and asked staff to finalize draft ballot language ahead of a public hearing.
Routt County commissioners on Aug. 18 directed staff to move forward with a countywide lodging tax measure for the 2025 ballot, setting the proposed rate at 6% and instructing staff to prepare ballot language and outreach materials for an upcoming public hearing.
Why it matters: commissioners said revenues from a lodging tax would help cover growing costs tied to tourism-driven impacts, including road maintenance, parks and public safety. County staff presented an estimate that each 1% in tax would raise roughly $127,000 after fees when Oak Creek and Yampa are included; at 6%, commissioners said the revenue would be more substantial and visible to voters as a fund for specific county needs.
What happened at the work session: staff and commissioners reviewed a draft resolution and financial projections. Commissioner Redmond said the county would be "remiss" if it did not attempt to capture revenue from lodging to offset county impacts and said she favored moving forward. Commissioner Macy said although he might have preferred 5% politically, he would support 6% given the expected revenue to address county needs. The board settled on no sunset for the tax; Commissioners said they might consider periodic reauthorization but did not want an initial automatic sunset.
Public process: staff said the first public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26; staff will notify Oak Creek and Yampa about the county's direction and circulate proposed ballot language and implementation dates (the draft resolution showed a January start date). Commissioners asked staff to make finalizing language a priority and to brief municipalities that will not be taxed if they already have municipal lodging taxes.
Implementation questions: the board asked for clarity about how revenues would be allocated (public safety, infrastructure, parks) and staff noted some categories would require further work with department heads; they also mentioned potential coordination with state parks fee discussions.
Ending: staff will distribute proposed ballot language to commissioners, confirm start-date wording, and report responses from Oak Creek and Yampa. The county did not adopt a final ordinance in the work session; the board set direction to put the question before voters and to proceed with hearings and outreach.
