We’ve generally been in favor of counties, cities, villages and towns doing whatever they can to increase revenue for local services without increasing property taxes on their own citizens when possible.

That includes putting a modest occupancy tax - also known as a “bed tax” on hotel rooms and other short-term lodging rentals, traditionally between 2% and 4% on top of the bill.

The revenue from bed taxes generally comes from people visiting from outside the area, so it doesn’t usually hit local property owners.

People who visit other communities are used to paying the occupancy tax in other places, so it doesn’t make one community or lodging business stand out over another enough to make a tourist visit........

© The Leader Herald