Gilmer County will ask its state delegation to begin the process of raising the hotel/motel/lodging tax for the county.
A unanimous vote at a special called meeting Dec. 21, asked for local legislation to raise the hotel/motel/lodging tax from 5 percent to 8 percent.
“The other counties around us are going to 8 percent, so that isn’t going to hurt us,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris. “It almost seems if we don’t do it, we are walking away from money.”
Paris estimates the increase will bring in an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million more into the county budget, paid directly by guests visiting Gilmer County. As far as most guests are concerned, it should be an extra $8 to $9 on their bill.
He said the tax shouldn’t affect local rental companies.
Right now, Gilmer County charges a 5 percent tax for hotel/motel and rental lodging stays. As part of the current contract with the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, which is the DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) for the county, the organization receives 70 percent of the tax.
Paris and other board members discussed the possibility of dropping the chamber’s portion to between 43 percent, which is the minimum required by law, and 45 percent. He said this would bring about the same or just slightly less than what the chamber is receving now. This new percentage will be worked out in 2022.
“The chamber will not benefit in any way from this increase and in fact will have less tax income and more restrictions, which the chamber feels is fair and timely given the increase of short-term rentals in Gilmer County,” said Gilmer County Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Grimmer. “To be clear, the chamber is not asking for increased funding. The chamber supports getting a far less percentage of the lodging tax and is happy to work with the county on those details going forward.”
Grimmer made it clear the chamber is not advocating for this tax, but as an expert in the DMO field, she was asked to present information about the subject at Ellijay City Council and the board of commissioners.
A portion of the money from the raised percentage would also have to be set aside in a fund for spending related to tourism. Other than this portion, the money would go into the general fund of Gilmer County and would be unrestricted.
Comprehensive plan
At the special called meeting, the board of commissioners voted to rescind an earlier vote to revisit Gilmer County’s comprehensive plan.
Paris said the plan will have to be revised soon, and there is little appetite in the community to revisit it right now.
The vote was unanimous.