SUMMIT COUNTY – Public hearings will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd regarding proposed resolutions to certify two referred ballot measures for the upcoming General Election on November 8, 2022. The measures would request voter approval of a new lodging tax in the unincorporated area of Summit County, and an extension of the existing tax levy that provides revenues for the protection of citizens against wildfires, for 911 dispatch, and for other public purposes previously approved by voters.

The lodging tax ballot measure would authorize a two percent (2%) lodging excise tax on the rental fee, price, or other consideration paid or charged for the leasing, rental, sale or furnishing of a room or accommodation for a short-term period, defined as a period of less than 30 days. The objective of the proposal is to provide affordable housing and childcare for local workers, to support the Summit County community quality of life with improved outdoor recreation facilities and services, and to serve other public purposes. 

“A 2% lodging tax in Summit County would raise an estimated $5 million a year,” said Commissioner Elisabeth Lawrence. “This vital funding would assist in providing more workforce housing and childcare, in addition to helping us address impacts from our high number of visitors throughout the year.”

The second ballot measure would not impose a new tax or increase tax rates, but rather would request voter approval for the continued collection of funds used for the protection of Summit County citizens and visitors from wildfires, for 911 dispatch, and for other public purposes previously approved by voters in 2014.

The proposed lodging tax resolution and ballot measure is available here. The staff report can be viewed here. The proposed resolution and ballot measure on the extension of the existing tax levy to provide revenues for the protection of citizens against wildfires, for 911 dispatch, and for other public purposes previously approved by voters, is available here. The staff report can be viewed here.

The Public Hearing will be held during Regular Meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2022, at the Old County Courthouse in Breckenridge. The public may make comments by submitting written comments to Caitlin.Johnson@summitcountyco.gov or by participating at the meeting in person or via Zoom by registering here. 

For more information and a list of upcoming BOCC meetings, visit the calendar on the Summit County Government website here.

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