Amador County – Amador County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday discussed a camping tax and a Transient Occupancy Tax increase for hotels and motels, as staff asked for Supervisors’ preference on draft language for a potential ballot measure supported by local business groups.
Staff was directed to look at whether the county could charge a TOT tax on campgrounds operated by concessionaires on state, federal or utility-owned parks.
In public comment, Terry Nielsen said government is exempt and “maybe that’s the loophole you need to change?” Sherry Curtis said the tax on camping hurts families who can’t afford a hotel, and “businesses should not have public funds support them.” She urged Supervisors not to seek the initiative.
Supervisor Vice Chairman Richard Forster said Supervisors were asked by business groups to consider a TOT increase from 6 percent to 10 percent. He said Amador Business Council, Amador Council of Tourism, and Amador Chamber of Commerce supported the increase, and want the extra 4 percent to be used to promote the county. Forster said they believe the county would benefit from bringing more people here. Curtis said she camps here, and most important, “do not do the camping please.”
Chamber President Mark Borchin said state law excludes charging TOT on renters who stay for more than 30 days. He understood concerns and camps in Amador and Calaveras, but didn’t think more tourists would increase fire and police costs, as suggested by another speaker. Borchin said he thought all lodging should pay TOTs, including camping.
Supervisor John Plasse said he knows from operating his family’s former resort that people would come in with $300,000 motor homes and want their “Good Sam’s discount,” and it was hard to see that they needed it. But he was torn because some families need the camping site. He also noted the fee on a $40 camp rental would go up only 2 dollars and 60 cents, in a 4 percent increase.
Business Council Executive Director Jim Conklin said the county “needs to do more self-help.” The TOT would generate revenue and advertising would generate an increase in tourism. It is a “long-term goal to increase the coffers here, so we do not have to rely on the state and federal government.”
Conklin in early May presented a timeline to get the measure on the November ballot. Supervisors return to discuss the issue June 12.
Supervisor Ted Novelli said it would be good to get all cities and the county on the same chart, charging the same rates for tourist taxes.
Sutter Creek and Jackson already charge 10 percent TOTs. And Plymouth City Council on May 10 voted to place a TOT tax measure on their ballot for November, raising it from 6 to 10 percent, with an advisory vote question on the ballot, to decide how to use the extra funding.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
