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Hanford council votes to place 12% transient‑occupancy tax increase on November ballot
Summary
The Hanford City Council voted unanimously on May 6 to place a proposal on the November ballot to raise the city’s transient‑occupancy (hotel) tax from 8% to 12%, with staff estimating additional annual revenue of roughly $375,000 at the 12% level.
Hanford — The Hanford City Council voted 5‑0 on May 6 to place a measure on the November ballot asking voters to raise the city’s transient‑occupancy tax (TOT) from 8% to 12%.
Finance staff told the council the current TOT rate is 8% and has not been updated since 1985. “If we were to increase the rate to 10%, it would bring in approximately $187,500. If we were to increase to 12%, it would provide additional revenue annually of $375,000,” a staff presenter said during the council meeting.
Council members from across the dais supported the 12% proposal, citing parity with neighboring cities and the fact that the fee is paid by visitors rather than residents. Council members said proceeds would bolster general‑fund services such as police, fire, parks and streets.
The council directed staff to prepare a resolution to meet the August ballot‑placement deadline and to return with the formal resolution and implementing language. The motion to place the 12% proposal on the ballot passed unanimously.
If approved by voters in November, the increase would take effect as set in the placing resolution; staff said additional administrative steps would follow to notify lodging establishments and to implement collection.
Council members said they did not expect the incremental rate change to significantly affect visitor behavior when choosing lodging.
