The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 19 moved forward with a countywide additional 3 percent lodging excise tax that will fund the Lorain County Convention & Visitors Bureau and allow limited use of funds for infrastructure, security and event support.

Visitors Bureau representatives and commissioners discussed the bureau’s recent efforts to modernize marketing, identify unpaid short‑term rentals, and expand trade‑show outreach. The bureau president said past recordkeeping had been poor, that dormant accounts were uncovered, and that current annual receipts average roughly $700,000 to $800,000. Board members said state law now permits broader uses of bed tax revenue beyond marketing.

Public commenters urged putting major tax increases to a public vote; a member of the audience (Brian Baker) reminded commissioners that a previous ballot measure had failed. The visitors bureau described steps to pursue collections, including mailing notices and, if necessary, working with the prosecutor’s office to collect unpaid taxes from short‑term rentals.

Commissioners said bed tax revenue largely falls on visitors and out‑of‑county guests, not local taxpayers, and that funds can be used to sponsor events, support infrastructure related to large gatherings, and assist public safety during major events.

The board approved the item on the agenda. Officials said further details on programing, spending caps and collection efforts will be included in follow‑up materials and public budget documents.