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Local hosts and residents urge reconsideration of 6% occupancy tax and express worries about reduced dump hours
Summary
An Airbnb operator asked the commissioners to lower Bertie County's new 6% occupancy tax, saying it hits small operators hard and proposing 3%; several residents raised public-health concerns about reduced dump hours increasing illegal dumping and rodent risk.
Robert Jordan, who operates an Airbnb on the Chowan River, told commissioners the county's decision to set the new occupancy tax at the 6% maximum in the allowed range could harm small operators and urged the board to consider a lower rate. "I would urge you guys to reconsider the 6%... maybe 3%," Jordan said, noting the tax could take $1,500 a year from his revenue and reduce funds available for maintenance and services that attract visitors.
Jordan and other residents also raised concerns about recent cuts to waste-collection hours at some sites such as Midway and Orlando, saying reduced hours could encourage illegal dumping and pose public-health risks. Commissioners acknowledged the complaints and said staff will continue to monitor the effects of changed hours and revenue from the occupancy tax as part of budget deliberations.
