SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. -
Franklin county New York is one of just 2 counties in the state without a room occupancy tax. But that could soon change.
Franklin county legislators heard public comments in Saranac and Tupper Lake Thursday night about implementing a 5 percent room occupancy tax, commonly known as "bed tax."
It would affect hotels, motels, rentals, Bed and Breakfast inns and vacation rentals but the hope is that this tax would bring in more business.
"The sole purpose would be to market the county," said Lake Clear Lodge owner Ernest Hohmeyer said.
Hohmeyer was one of several hotel owners in Franklin county who helped draft the proposal. The money brought in from this new tax would go directly to tourism spending.
Franklin county legislators expect it a bed tax would help increase a record low $250,000 tourism budget to somewhere around $350,000.
"Part of what were trying to do here is create enough of a substantive fund for this to be a worthwhile effort, Hohmeyer said.
Not far down the road in Saranac Lake, Franklin county turns into Essex county, where there's already a 3 percent bed tax at places. Adirondack Motel is just on the Essex side of the border and the 3 percent isn't a problem for owner Fred Muller.
"It's never been a contentious issue with any guest," Muller said.
He thinks the money has been used effectively to market Essex county.
But Muller did want hotel owners across Franklin county to consider one thing.
"Know where the money is going after (it has been collected)
Which is what we asked District 7 county legislator Tim Burpoe.
"I think we're gonna have a plan that will market all of Franklin county," Burpoe said.
If the plan is approved by county legislators it would still need to pass through New York State legislature and the senate before and then signed by Governor Cuomo until its enacted.
