English
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Português
日本語
한국어
Русский
UPDATE: Hot Sulphur Springs residents reject construction use tax, lodging tax narrowly leads by 5 votes | SkyHiNews.com
News News | Nov 6, 2024
Residents of Hot Sulphur Springs had two questions about potential taxes on their ballot this Nov. 5 election. Preliminary results, as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, indicate that Ballot Issue 2C, a town lodging tax, is narrowly passing. Ballot Issue 2B, construction use tax, failed.
Residents of Hot Sulphur Springs voted to deny a 4% tax for storing and using construction materials. This tax would have impacted building contractors. Early results show 269 (81.02%) residents voted against the tax, with 63 (18.98%) in favor of the tax.
According to Hot Sulphur Springs Town Clerk Katie LaDrig, the ballot issue was created as a way to fund municipal services. If the tax had been instituted, it would have funded water and sewer infrastructure, as well as road improvements.
The ballot question included a submitted statement against the tax that said it would have placed an unfair burden on a small number of people, and it was unreasonable to seek additional revenue in the form of a construction use tax when costs have already risen significantly over recent years. No statement submitted for the tax was submitted.
The ballot issue asked for a 3% lodging tax, paid only by overnight visitors — for example, those staying at Hot Springs Resort.
As of Tuesday evening, the ballot issue is passing with 169 (50.75%) residents voting for the tax, with 164 (49.25%) against the tax. The new tax, beginning January 2025, will fund projects and services addressing visitors impacts, as well as any other municipal purpose. This includes water, sewer, infrastructure and roads.
The ballot question included a submitted statement in favor of the tax: “Travelers visiting our community have come to expect these added-on expenses associated with their travel plans — and there is no impact to the citizens of our Town as a result of voting ‘Yes’ for passage of this Initiative.”
“While we are disappointed that only one of the ballot measures for the Town passed, we are pleased that we will be receiving some much-needed revenue in the future to assist with infrastructure repairs and improvements that are vital to our community.”
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 4, 2024
Nov 3, 2024
Nov 2, 2024
Nov 4, 2024
Nov 3, 2024
Oct 31, 2024
The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.
Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.
If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.
On Nov. 5, residents of the town of Hot Sulphur Springs rejected a proposed use tax on construction materials. As of Tuesday at 9 p.m the lodging tax is narrowly passing with about 51% of the vote. Pictured: A home recently constructed by Habitat for Humanity in Hot Sulphur. More Like This, Tap A TopicThe Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live. Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.