Commissioners Want Revised Hotel Tax Ordinance
Washington County Commissioners will vote on a measure directing the County Solicitor to draft an amended Hotel Tax Ordinance that would change fees and distributions of tax monies collected from hotels and motels in Washington County. The initial ordinance from 2001 called for the County Treasurer to receive a 2% administration fee, The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) to receive 25% for salaries and administration, and the remainder to be deposited in a joint account controlled by the TPA and County Commissioners. In 2017 the ordinance was amended to read that the County Treasurer would receive a 4% administrative fee and the remaining 96% would go to the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. In a statement released by the county, The County Treasurer stated that a joint account was never established to comply with the original agreement. Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman stated that they just want to go back to the original agreement allowing input from the county on how hotel taxes are spent. One of the things that Sherman would like to see is a sports complex built in Washington County. He feels that people attending sporting events in a sports complex would spur additional spending in area restaurants, stores, and the casinos. Commissioner Larry Maggi says that he is not sure that the county has the legal authority to amend the ordinance. He wants Commissioners Sherman and Janis to be transparent on what plans they have for the tax revenue. Commissioners will vote on the measure on Thursday.

