Why Renewing the 2% Lodging Tax Matters for Park County
As the November 2024 General Election approaches, Park County residents have a crucial decision to make: whether to renew the 2% Lodging Tax. This tax is vital for sustaining the local economy, benefiting residents, and supporting businesses. Here’s why voting to renew the tax is essential for our community.Place introduction text here.
A Tax That Benefits Residents
One of the most compelling reasons to renew the 2% Lodging Tax is that it's primarily paid by tourists, not local residents. Because the lodging tax dollars are used to promote tourism and attract more visitors, the additional lodging tax directly increases visitation to Park County. When we increase visitation, we have more non-residents shopping in our businesses and paying other taxes, including sales tax.
In 2023 alone, visitors to Park County contributed approximately $36.2 million in sales taxes, covering a significant portion of the costs associated with local government services and infrastructure. This means that tourists paid 32.8% of all sales taxes collected in the county, reducing the tax burden for each household by an estimated $1,649.
Funding That Drives Tourism
Over 85% of the annual budget for the Park County Travel Council is funded by the Lodging Tax, and these funds are directly allocated to marketing and sales efforts designed to attract visitors to our area. Without these funds, our ability to draw tourists—and their spending—would be severely diminished. Imagine the impact on local businesses if this budget were to disappear. The revenues from the Lodging Tax are strictly dedicated to promoting tourism, which in turn supports our local economy.
Consistent Support for Over 35 Years
The Lodging Tax has been in place since 1986, with a brief increase in 1996 that was later adjusted when the Wyoming State Lodging Tax was introduced. The fact that this tax has been consistently renewed by voters underscores its importance to our community. However, we cannot take this renewal for granted; it’s up to us to ensure it continues.
Direct Benefits to Local Municipalities
In 2023, 10% of the Lodging Tax revenues were distributed directly to Park County and its municipalities, funding essential services and special projects. For example, the City of Cody received $159,486, which was used for various community events and projects. This direct funding stream is critical for maintaining the quality of life we all enjoy.
A Competitive Advantage Over Other Travel Destinations
Finally, Park County’s 7% Lodging Tax (including the state’s portion) is relatively low compared to other tourist destinations, where lodging taxes can range from 9% to 18%. This lower tax rate makes our community a more attractive option for visitors, which is essential for keeping our local economy vibrant. At a total lodging of 7%, we are still giving visitors a great value during their stay.
Voting to renew the 2% Lodging Tax is not just a vote for the future of tourism in Park County—it’s a vote for the continued prosperity of our community. Mark your calendars for November 5th, and make sure to vote to renew!
