Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tourism Tax topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wauconda board adopts hotel/motel tax to fund tourism promotion
Summary
The Village Board approved a hotel/motel tax (up to 5% allowed for non-home-rule communities) that will apply to hotels and short-term rentals used to promote tourism; Administrator Matson said a $200-per-night rental would incur a $10-per-night tax.
The Wauconda Village Board on June 3 approved an ordinance adopting a hotel/motel tax, which the village may impose as a non-home-rule community under state law to promote tourism and overnight visits.
Administrator Mary Matson explained the tax option and its limits: non-home-rule municipalities may enact a tax of up to 5% that can only be used for the promotion of tourism and overnight visits. She gave an example: a $200-per-night rental would be subject to a $10-per-night tax, typically assessed in addition to the nightly rate.
Trustees moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by roll call during the meeting.
Why it matters: The tax creates a restricted funding source the village can use to market tourism and support overnight-visitor services; it will also apply to short-term rental stays and any future hotels in the village.
Next steps: The ordinance is adopted; administrative steps to collect and allocate the tax were not detailed in the meeting record and will require village staff follow-up.
