Tax from Clay County lodging revenue increased for the last half of 2016 over the last half of 2015. As a result, Clay County’s Travel and Tourism Board has more funds to use to accomplish its mission than it often does in January.
Board treasurer Sherry Robertson explained how the extra income impacts the group with the fiscal year ending in six months. “We have $16,663.85 total expendable budget left,” she said.
Not only are more owners of accommodations paying the lodging tax, but the hundreds of firefighters and support personnel who stayed at Hinton Center and other local accommodations increased the typical number of overnight stays for the time period.
The most significant months with increases were:
• $6,400.73 was collected in September for August receipts versus $2,012.45 last year.
• $3,345.60 was collected in October for September receipts versus $2,462.94 last year.
Much of the meeting was spent discussing a grant request from Hinton Rural Life Center. The organization asked for $6,700 to purchase locks for 73 rooms which have not previously had locks. Lowe’s has provided a discounted price for the new digital locks. Some concern was expressed about the precedent being set for other lodging providers.
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By Lorrie Ross
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