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Commissioners consider raising transient lodging tax to 10% to capture tourism revenue
Summary
Commissioners discussed increasing the county transient lodging tax from 7% to up to 10% (a level allowed without voter approval) to generate additional revenue for tourism promotion and some general fund support; they scheduled a workshop to consult stakeholders and plan timing.
Curry County commissioners discussed raising the county transient lodging tax (TLT) at the Jan. 9 meeting. County staff presented a slide showing the current TLT rate at 7% and noted the county may increase the rate up to 10% without a public vote because the voters previously authorized a 10% cap.
Staff estimated that raising the TLT to 10% could generate roughly $702,000 in additional TLT revenue, of which about 30% (roughly $210,000) would be available for general‑fund use and 70% would be reserved for tourism promotion under existing rules. "All of our neighboring counties are already at 10%. These are dollars ... coming in from tourists and travelers," a staff presenter said.
Why it matters: Commissioners said TLT revenue could be low‑hanging fruit to boost local revenue without increasing property taxes. Commissioners suggested a staged implementation and asked staff to consult hotels, vacation‑rental platforms and tourism stakeholders about timing and operational readiness.
Next steps: The board agreed a workshop was needed with tourism stakeholders, lodging operators and the county finance office. Commissioners tentatively scheduled a workshop for the 20th (date to be finalized) with the goal of returning to the Jan. 30 meeting with a recommendation.
Ending: Commissioner Patrick Hollinger disclosed a potential conflict of interest because he owns a lodging business in the county and said he would seek guidance; commissioners asked staff to check state guidance and to include interested stakeholders in the workshop planning.
