Johnsburg approves $4,200 OCTAX advertising package; debate over short-term rentals

The Johnsburg Town Board approved an OCTAX advertising award package on Nov. 19 that would allocate a not-to-exceed $4,200 to place multiple local businesses in a collective half-page advertisement in the Adirondack Life summer 2025 edition. The occupancy-tax committee recommended $525 awards to selected businesses, citing fairness and that a flat award would require each business to share some advertising cost.

Committee members read the recommendation and explained exclusions: the committee suggested not awarding three applicants — including a short-term rental listed as the Wolf Den and a Front Street real-estate development — on the grounds those entries would not draw visitors in the way attractions do. Members of the public and the board questioned that exclusion. Peter Horvath, pointing to outreach via the North Creek Business Alliance mailing list, and resident Matt Byrne urged broader business inclusion, while Judy Brown said OCTAX should fund efforts that "bring more tourism to the area." A motion to adopt the committee recommendation with a $4,200 cap was approved; board members also agreed on a December 1 deadline for additional, administratively handled applications to be considered by the OCTAX committee.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized the need for clearer parameters for future campaigns so the committee and board have a shared rubric for awarding occupancy tax dollars. The board asked staff to allow online applications for future cycles and to publicize the December 1 deadline for businesses wishing to join the campaign.