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