T.O.T. Tax Approved

Sonora, CA — By a 4-1 vote this morning the proposed Transient Occupancy Tax increase was approved for the June ballot by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors.

Teri Murrison was the lone dissenter.

If approved by the voters the two percent increase would become effective October 1, 2010. CAO Craig Pedro estimates this would enrich the county by approximately $350,000 a year.

The proposal was endorsed by the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau and the Tuolumne County lodging industry. The Tuolumne County Business Council has yet to take a position but Executive Director Jim Conklin stated that even though members have until 5pm Wednesday to vote he feels in the end the Council will present a vote in support of the increase.

A number of speakers, including B.Z. Smith from Jamestown, expressed the opinion that a portion of the pie be dedicated to the arts and agri-tourism. No decision was made this morning as to how the funds would be allocated.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com