Notice of Ballot Title

Notice of Receipt of Ballot Title

The Bend City Council approved Resolution 2920 calling for an election on an increase in the temporary lodging tax rate.

CAPTION
Increase in Bend’s temporary lodging tax

QUESTION
Shall Bend increase the temporary lodging tax rate from the 9% to 10% and then to 10.4% ?

SUMMARY
The measure, if approved, would increase the temporary lodging tax rate from 9% to 10% on June 1, 2014 and to 10.4% on June 1, 2015. Temporary lodging is a stay of less than 30 days in temporary lodging such as a hotel, motel, vacation rental or similar lodging facilities.

If approved, the increase is likely to lead to increased revenue for the City of Bend. Under state law, 70% of the incremental revenue resulting from the increased tax, if approved, would be allocated to the promotion of tourism. The incremental amount allocated to tourism promotion is estimated to total about $410,000 per year once the full 1.4% increase is fully implemented. It is anticipated that the additional revenues, if the increase is approved, would be used to promote winter and shoulder season tourism in Bend. The remaining 30% of the incremental revenue, estimated to total about $175,000 per year, if the measure is approved, would be used for police and fire services.

The increase may result in some reduction in tourism in Bend.

The ballot title complies with constitutional requirements. Any elector of the City of Bend may file a petition to review the ballot title in Circuit Court. The deadline to file a petition to review the ballot title in Circuit Court is July 19, 2013.

ROBYN CHRISTIE
CITY RECORDER
CITY OF BEND