Commissioners agree to study county lodging tax authority; staff to supply options
Summary
Routt County commissioners directed staff to research a county lodging‑tax option allowed under recent legislation and return with details on affected lodging types, revenue estimates and possible exemptions for small operators.
Routt County commissioners asked staff to prepare information and return to a future meeting on whether to consider a county lodging tax now that state law allows counties to increase lodging taxes above the 2% default for certain localities.
The board noted the county currently has no lodging tax and discussed which lodging types would be affected. Commissioners asked staff to analyze impacts on operators that are primarily small, family‑run ranch‑stay businesses, versus larger commercial properties such as 3 Forks and the Home Ranch. One commissioner said she supported looking into the concept but wanted to identify ways to avoid placing undue burden on small operators that use occasional rentals to supplement income.
County staff reported preliminary research showing a broader set of qualifying lodging types than some expected, including dude ranches and permitted retreat facilities; staff said some units at 3 Forks are on the Colorado side and would be subject to county rules. Commissioners asked that staff return with a more detailed breakdown and recommendations on exemptions or thresholds.
The board did not vote and gave direction to county staff (Jay and others) to prepare materials and schedule the topic for a future agenda.
