Commission votes to recommend ordinance change to allow short-term rental representation

The Monroe Visitor and Promotion Commission voted to recommend an amendment to city code chapter 2-14-1 so the second industry representative slot can be filled by a short-term rental operator who collects room tax. Administrator (introduced in the record as the administrator) described the current code as requiring two hotel/motel representatives in contrast with the state statute, which requires one. She said the proposal would align the city code with state statute by keeping one required hotel/motel representative and allowing the second slot to be either a hotel/motel representative or a short-term rental representative.

A commissioner made the motion to expand the representation: "So I'll make a motion to, expand the hotel representation as 1 of the 2 with an Airbnb or short term rental that is collected." Another commissioner seconded; the commission voted in favor and the chair said the motion "passes and we'll pass it on to J and O" (Judiciary & Ordinance) for the formal ordinance process and public hearing. Commissioners discussed concerns about STR operators' transient status and agreed staff should forward a recommendation to the judiciary committee for drafting.