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Grand Island council keeps hotel occupation tax at 2% after heated public comment
Summary
After hours of public comment and council debate on Dec. 30, 2025, the Grand Island City Council voted to keep the city's hotel/occupation tax at 2% rather than adopting a proposed increase; council members directed staff to pursue additional study and stakeholder engagement.
The Grand Island City Council voted on Dec. 30 to keep the city's hotel occupation tax at 2% after an extended public hearing that drew hoteliers, tourism officials and event operators concerned about the impact of a proposed increase.
The administration had proposed raising the current 2% occupation tax to 5% (a net 3% increase) to fund about $11 million in deferred maintenance and upgrades at city facilities, including the Heartland Event Center. Patrick Brown, the city administrator, told the council the additional 3% would support a 20-year bond and produce roughly $800,000 a year toward projects such as chillers, lighting and sound systems. "For a $100 room, with a 3%…
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