Urges support of H/M tax renewal on the ballot
To the Editor:
Every ten years we have the opportunity to pass the hotel/motel tax. It’s important to note that this is a tax not levied against locals! If a visitor comes to town and stays in one of our hotels, motel or bed and breakfast they pay a 7 percent tax on that stay. That money then goes into a fund and is distributed by the hotel motel tax board in the form of grants.
It’s a real no brainer. It’s also a way to bring money into our community to be used to support events, activities, improvements and updates. Money we receive simply because someone stays overnight.
I thought you might want to see a list of some of the projects that have been funded over the last 9 years:
Welcome to Webster City Signs
Wilson Brewer Park Information Center and staffing
Trail Enhancements
Grandstand Bleacher Project at the Fairgrounds
Tourism Website
Boone River Clean Up
Main Street Garden
Conference Center Equipment for the Fairgrounds
- Webster City Community Theater updates and marketing
Doodle Bug Reunion
Historic Recordings of Webster City
Park Signs
Stampede Stadium for The Rampage
All Cultures Equal Projects
Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce marketing plans to promote tourism
Sculpture Contest
- Municipal Airport Sign
Little League Scoreboards
RAGBRAI Entertainment
Handicap ramp on Jane Young House
Riverside Canoe Access and Prairie Restoration
Legacy Learning Boone River Valley Classes
The Webster Theater
Digital Archives at the Kendall Young Library
Border Brigade Archery Events
- Hamilton County Saddle Club Enhancements
Writers Workshop by Tom Schroder
JunqueFest Marketing
Arts R Alive Events
Over one-half million dollars, $500,000 has been awarded in grants over the past nine years – and we have the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to thank for that.
So when you go to the polls to vote on Nov. 8, please vote yes on the Hotel/Motel Tax Renewal.
The ballot will read like this:
Shall the City of Webster City, Iowa continue to impose a hotel and motel tax, as provided by Chapter 423A of the Iowa Code, at the rate of seven percent (7%) effective January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2027 upon the gross receipts from the renting of any and all rooms, in any hotel, motel, inn or public lodging house, and direct that one hundred percent (100%) of revenue from this tax be used for the promotion and development of recreational, entertainment & cultural attractions, events and facilities in Webster City, Iowa, with disbursement of funds made by the City of Webster City, City Council from the recommendations of a board appointed by the City Council?”
Vote yes.
Deb Brown
Executive Director,
Webster City Area
Chamber of Commerce