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Travel & Tourism urges voters decide on 2% countywide lodging tax renewal; board agrees to neutral ballot language
Summary
Zane Garstad asked the board to put a four-year renewal of the 2% countywide lodging tax on the November 2026 ballot; commissioners removed a clause showing board support to keep language neutral and adopted Resolution 26-05-047 unanimously.
Zane Garstad, president of Sheridan County Travel & Tourism, asked the board to place a ballot proposition to continue a 2% countywide lodging tax on the November 2026 ballot. Garstad told commissioners the lodging tax — in place since 1993 — supports visitor promotion, visitor centers and generates significant local and state tax revenue tied to tourism and hospitality employment.
Commissioner Holly Jennings moved to remove the resolution's first "whereas" to avoid indicating whether the board supported or opposed the measure, arguing the board should remain neutral on ballot language. The amendment passed unanimously, and Commissioner Nick Siddle then moved to adopt Resolution 26-05-047 as amended; the motion passed unanimously. The board will place the continuance question on the November 2026 ballot for voters to decide.
The request included no new county budget impacts in the discussion. The board's action was procedural: placing the question for voter consideration, with specifics of campaign or implementation left to proponents and the county clerk's election processes.
