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Council amends transient-guest tax proposal, moves ballot question to August 2026 and broadens taxable lodging list
Summary
The council amended bill 25-08232 to move a proposed 5% transient-guest tax question from the April to the August 2026 election and to clarify that proceeds would fund a convention and visitors bureau; the amendment also expanded definitions to include short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) in the ordinance text.
The Jefferson County Council amended bill 25-08232, which would place a 5% transient-guest tax before county voters to fund a convention and visitors bureau. The amendment changed the election date from April 7, 2026 to August 4, 2026 and clarified taxable lodging to explicitly include hotel/motel, bed-and-breakfasts, inns and commercially operated short-term rentals such as vacation homes and properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
The amendment passed on a recorded vote (the amended bill was perfected and moved toward final passage). Council members said the change to August would save election costs and that clarified definitions help the public understand who would be affected. Supporters said the tax proceeds would be dedicated to a convention and visitors bureau; opponents voiced concern but the council approved the amended bill with a recorded tally of 6 yes, 1 no at the perfection stage.
What happens next: the county will carry forward the amended ballot language and proceed with required election-law steps to place the transient tax question on the August 4, 2026 ballot, subject to any further adjustments required by legal counsel or the county clerk.
