The Routt County commissioners voted this week to approve a resolution to place a 6% lodging tax on short-term accommodations on the November ballot, according to a statement released Tuesday.

The proposed tax would not apply to Steamboat Springs and Hayden, which already have implemented voter-approved short-term lodging taxes. The proposed tax would apply to the rest of Routt County, including Oak Creek and Yampa.

If county voters approve the measure, the new tax would be levied on rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days, such as hotels and motels, short-term rentals, bed-and-breakfasts, private campgrounds and RV/trailer parks not located on public lands, and timeshares, among other temporary accommodations.

In the statement, county officials said that the tax provides a way to fund essential county services and infrastructure with revenue from visitors, relieving the financial burden on local taxpayers while supporting quality of life for residents and tourists alike.

The move follows recent state legislation passed in May, sponsored by State Senator Dylan Roberts, that gave counties authority to triple their lodging tax cap from 2% to 6%, providing more flexibility to fund local services and address tourism impacts.

If passed, the tax is anticipated to generate around $821,000 per year in revenue. State law requires that 10% of collected revenue must be dedicated to tourism advertising and marketing, which commissioners have considered using to support destination stewardship efforts. 

The remaining 90% of the yearly funds would be directed toward community needs such as infrastructure improvements and enhancing public safety through local police, fire personnel and emergency medical services. 

While individuals staying in applicable rentals would be charged the lodging tax, the property owner would be responsible for making sure the tax is collected from renters and submitted to the state each quarter, as required by law. Local residents would only pay the tax if they book short-term lodging themselves in unincorporated Routt County, Oak Creek or Yampa.

“This is community-focused and sustainable,” said Commissioner Sonja Macys in the statement. “Our rural communities are feeling the strain of increased visitation, and this lodging tax gives us a tool to reinvest in the infrastructure and services that support both residents and visitors.”

Though Commissioner Tim Redmond was absent from the Aug. 26 meeting where the resolution was passed, Macys said at the meeting that Redmond has stated “on record” his support of the resolution in prior work sessions. 

“Now that the resolution has passed, our next step is to ensure voters have the information they need to make an informed decision this November,” Commissioner Angelica Salinas said in the statement. “We’ll be working closely with community partners to prioritize the areas of greatest need across Routt County, with an eye toward equitable distribution of these funds.”