• The people who will pay the tax have no voice in the tax - it's taxation without representation.
• It's another form of 'corporate welfare' - even if real small business is actually benefitted by it, the fact that other businesses take welfare doesn't make it any more right or moral.
• It can actually harm motels that depend on construction workers, etc., since they are quite price sensitive.
• It opens the door for corruption or waste by the organization that actually spends the money, typically a chamber of commerce.
  • They are seldom properly audited and oversight is minimal.
  • The temptation is often too great to withstand for them & they stretch the definition of 'tourism promotion to their favorite projects.
  • They seldom have a solid plan for how they're going to generate more overnight stays (revenue) for the people who are creating their slush fund.

Bill

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Bill & Sandra Wayne
Cedarcroft Farm/Cottage on the Knoll B&B
Warrensburg, Missouri
"Come visit our romantic hideaway"
http://www.cedarcroft.com
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> Window on the Winds Bed & Breakfast wrote:

> > Our county will be voting on adding a lodging tax this November. Our > current tax rate is 4%, and they are proposing a 2.5% increase (7.5% > total). A large part of the tax collected comes back to our county > for promotion. >

> > I'm for the tax, and some of the negative feelings from other people > in the lodging industry suprise me. What a can of worms! I welcome > your thoughts, insight, and suggestions. >

> Thanks,