Many Wyoming voters will have the opportunity to vote on county-level bed taxes in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. In Park County, near Yellowstone National Park, voters will decide whether or not to renew a 2 percent lodging tax that received widespread support four years ago. This tax is in addition to the statewide 5 percent lodging tax.
Scott Weber, a local business owner, has long opposed the lodging taxes, citing the burden they place on travelers like himself. He is also critical of the Park County Travel Council’s spending, particularly their use of a Canadian-based marketing firm. However, the council argues that they have made efforts to work with Wyoming-based firms, but none were a fit for their needs.
The travel council’s budget for fiscal year 2025 is $4.3 million, with $1.3 million dedicated to marketing efforts. If the lodging tax is not renewed, it would cut the council’s marketing efforts in half, potentially impacting tourism-focused businesses in the area. Despite concerns, many residents and businesses support the tax, as most of the funds are generated from tourists and the tax rate in Park County is lower than in other areas.
In fiscal year 2023, the Park County lodging tax generated $2.7 million, with 10 percent going to the county and cities within it and the remainder funding the travel council. A mailer sent out to residents detailed how the funds were spent on various entities within the county. Overall, the debate over the lodging tax renewal in Park County highlights the challenges and importance of funding tourism efforts in the region.
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