Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transient Lodging Surcharge topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sparks council approves bill draft request to allow up to $10-per-night lodging surcharge
Summary
Council unanimously approved a bill draft request (BDR) to the Nevada Legislature that would allow Sparks to adopt an ordinance imposing a surcharge of up to $10 per night on transient lodging; staff estimated the surcharge could raise about $5 million annually and emphasized it is enabling legislation that would still require legislative action.
Sparks City Council voted unanimously to submit a bill draft request that would enable the city to adopt an ordinance allowing a surcharge of up to $10 per night on transient lodging within Sparks. Staff said the surcharge is an enabling legislative action and would require approval by the Nevada Legislature to take effect.
Assistant City Manager Allison McCormack explained the BDR's purpose: "If enacted, this BDR would enable the city council to adopt an ordinance to add a surcharge of up to $10 per night on room nights that are subject to transient lodging tax or room tax within the city of Sparks." She told council staff estimates the surcharge could generate approximately $5,000,000 annually based on recent room-night data.
Public commenters were split. Wendy Ross urged the council to seek a larger share of existing room-tax revenue rather than add a new surcharge: "I stayed 3 nights, and I spent over $112 just in current taxes and fees on the room charge of a $40 a night room... we should at least be trying to fight for that additional million dollars." Sean Sullivan also spoke against new taxes, saying tourism is a central industry and that the city should take care not to deter tourism.
Councilors asked staff about legislative feasibility and other revenue options; staff said changing allocations from the regional convention and visitor authority would require legislative action and could pit Sparks against regional partners, making a surcharge the more politically practical option. The motion to approve the BDR passed unanimously.
