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Chamber, local hotel owners urge alternatives to property-tax increases: tubing fees, wristbands and more liquor licenses
Summary
Chamber and several business owners asked the council to pursue tourism-related fees (tube-spot fees, private-shuttle permits), reconsider per-drink taxes or wristbands for events, and seek additional liquor licenses under new Idaho law as alternatives to raising property taxes.
Business and Chamber representatives urged the council to pursue tourism-focused revenue options rather than relying primarily on property-tax increases.
Collin Petrun, identified in the meeting as President of the Chamber of Commerce, suggested a 2% fee per tubing spot and charging private tube-shuttle operators a visible permit or sticker to generate revenue and improve safety: "One idea is a 2% on each hole. So 2% per spot on a tube... charge private people that are shuttling tubers," he said. Petrun also proposed exploring fees on recreational subdivision rentals and boosting code enforcement.
Mark Oyler, a Chamber member and business owner, suggested revisiting an alcohol per-drink tax and piloting wristband sales during large events to allow controlled open-container areas: "People could pay for wristbands who open carry alcohol... pilot this during an event like Fire and Ice," Oyler said. Owners Brandon and Cody De Los Reyes of Lava Hillside Suites said the city should examine newly available liquor licenses under Idaho law to expand restaurant-restaurant conversions and raise revenue without adding a percentage tax to customer bills.
Councilmembers invited the Chamber to return with a fuller proposal at a public council meeting so the council can consider legal and enforcement details before adopting any new fees.
