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Hotel operators urge phased approach to proposed per-room water charges
Summary
Operators representing two Marriott properties and other transient lodging providers told the Council that a fixed per-door base rate penalizes low-occupancy months and urged phased increases or usage-based alternatives.
Representatives of local hotel operators told the Vernal City Council at the April 29 public hearing that the proposed per-door transient structure would be financially burdensome during slow winter months.
Paul Perry, who identified himself as a representative of Stealth Management, said his company operates two Marriott hotels totaling about 182 rooms and that winter occupancy often runs 25%–40%. He said applying a fixed per-room charge regardless of occupancy places a heavy burden on lodging operators during off-season months and recommended a more gradual or usage-aligned approach.
"Applying a fixed per-room rate regardless of occupancy places a financial strain on hotel operations during those months," Perry said. April Perry, also speaking for Stealth Management, asked whether tax-based offsets could help; staff replied that state caps on transient room taxes limit that option.
Councilmembers acknowledged the concern and staff offered to provide usage comparisons and individualized analyses for larger accounts. The City also noted it has completed similar analyses for other properties and will work with lodging operators as the proposal is refined ahead of a likely May 20 follow-up meeting.
