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Council reopens public hearing on proposed 5% visitor tax; hosts warn small operators would be hit while chambers push marketing benefits
Summary
An Adams County public hearing on a proposed 5% inkeepers (visitor) tax drew dozens of public comments: small short‑term rental hosts warned the tax would burden family visitors and essential workers, while chambers and long-time tourism operators said the tax is a common tool to fund regional promotion; council voted to void the prior ordinance and asked staff to explore funding alternatives including using existing LIT/seed appropriations.
Adams County council reopened a public hearing on a proposed 5% inkeepers tax (branded by supporters as a "visitor investment") and heard sharply divided public comment about whether the levy would help tourism or harm small local hosts.
Colton, an economic development representative, told the council that 78 Indiana counties impose an inkeepers tax and that a 5% local rate would apply to short-term lodging (hotels, motels, Airbnbs and similar rentals under 30 days). He said the county’s lodging spending measured by the state was roughly $1.5 million–$1.6 million in recent years and that a 5% tax would generate an estimated $75,000–$80,000 annually dedicated to tourism promotion. Colton said 100% of the receipts would be directed to tourism initiatives and that the…
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