Cache County council approves 0.25 percentage‑point increase to transient room tax, 5‑2 vote

The Cache County Council voted 5‑2 to approve an amendment to the county transient room tax that increases the county share by 0.25 percentage point. The council passed ordinance 2025‑17 after members debated eligibility for state reimbursement for emergency services and possible local spending priorities.

Nut graf: Sponsors and county staff said the increase — the state process limits counties to a 0.25 point addition — would make the county eligible for a state reimbursement program for search‑and‑rescue and related emergency services and would also create a small new local revenue source to fund roads, emergency services and visitor impacts.

Councilors and staff discussed how to spend the revenue if approved. Julie from the Visitors Bureau had previously told staff she was not in favor, and several council members said the revenue should be targeted toward emergency services and road and trail maintenance. Staff estimated the 0.25 point increase would generate roughly $94,000 based on 2024 collections.

A motion to adopt ordinance 2025‑17 passed 5 to 2. The council clarified that the amendment adds only the 0.25 percentage point counties are allowed under state law and that the state will retain a portion for a statewide reimbursement fund; local government would receive the remaining share.

Ending: Council members said they will consider how to prioritize uses of the new revenue in coming budget discussions; one council member reiterated a prior commitment to the hotel and lodging industry and said they would not vote for the tax personally, though the ordinance passed.