State budget changes bed tax spending

SANDUSKY — The final version of the state budget includes the compromise budget amendment allowing bed tax money in Erie County and a number of other counties to be spent for non-tourism marketing purposes. The amendment, authored by state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, allows bed tax money to be used for infrastructure, economic development and and public safety if the board of local tourism agencies agrees. The idea behind the amendment is to use bed tax money to help cover the expense of government services impacted by tourism. That provision replaces an original proposal allowing the county commissioners to use up to two-thirds of the bed tax money. The Ohio Senate passed the budget bill, 23-10, on Wednesday with every Democrat voting against it. The House then passed the measure, sending it to Gov. Mike DeWine. A joint statement issued by the Greater Sandusky Partnership, the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. and Shores & Islands Ohio said the local business community is pleased it blocked the original proposal to "unilaterally redirect two-thirds of the lodging tax away from Shores & Islands Ohio to be used at the commissioners' discretion." Lobbying from business people, local government officials and local residents won the final change, noting that the tourism board must approve any changes, the statement said. "This change did not happen by accident," the groups' statement reads." It happened because members of our community raised their voices and demanded a more balanced, thoughtful approach. We are deeply grateful for that engagement and proud of the unified response from across our region. The statement continued: "We are encouraged by the outcome and by the strength of our community's advocacy. This is a reminder of the importance of transparency, collaboration and local input in any decision that impacts our regional economy." The statement said the three groups are open to dialogue about how to best use bed tax dollars. The trio issuing the statement were Eric Wobser of the Greater Sandusky Partnership, Larry Fletcher of Shores & Islands Ohio and Chris Singerling of the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. Gavarone said she's pleased the final version of her amendment is included in the budget bill. "I am pleased that this common-sense reform of county lodging tax was included in the conference report of the state budget," she said. "This clarifying amendment is a great step toward ensuring lodging tax dollars can be used to support more investments to enhance tourism in communities such as those in Erie and Ottawa counties." Erie County commissioner Matt Old said he's pleased Gavarone's amendment was included. "I'm grateful to Sen. Gavarone and the general assembly for working to pass common-sense reform that allows communities like ours to get the most out of our lodging tax dollars," Old said."I look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders in the coming weeks to ensure the best possible outcomes for our taxpayers, businesses and tourism economy." State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, also commented. "The proposed bed tax changes became a mess because the voices of the businesses and business owners who are actually taxed by the government had no voice in the process," Swearingen said. "It would be better for the community if political leaders would instead work together to bring the focus back on lowering the government tax burden instead of deciding to move tax dollars around without the input of the people who are subject to the tax."