Trenton Rotary Club members heard information about the “bed” tax that will appear on the April 7 city election ballot when the club met on Thursday, March 12.
Third Ward Councilwoman Cathie Smith, who is also a member of the council’s economic development committee, told about the proposed tax, which would be paid by individuals who stay in hotels and motels located within the city of Trenton. The 5 percent tax would be collected by the city, but how the money is spent would be determined by a nine-member committee comprised of seven members of the community along with a representative from the city council and the city administrator. The council would have final approval over all expenditures.
Mrs. Smith said Trenton would be one of the last communities in the area that would have a “bed” tax should voters approve the proposal. The money could be used for economic development purposes, including tourism promotion.
While Trenton does not have a hotel in operation at this time, Mrs. Smith said an investment group is in the process of making improvements to the hotel that was recently closed, with plans to have the business open by the first of October. She said the hotel has 35 rooms, all of which will be renovated. She said another group has expressed an interest in building a second hotel in Trenton. She said Trenton has a number of activities that occur throughout the year and that rooms are always needed. A recent hotel study showed the need for at least 45 hotel rooms at any one time during the year.
During the business meeting, members were reminded to bring a new pair of shoes for the Shoes for Orphan Soles project. The deadline to donate shoes is March 31.
NCMC Development Director Alicia Endicott will present the program at the March 19 meeting.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
