Letter to the editor

Editor,

Registered voters in our community will be asked to make an important local decision on our ballots this November. Ballot item 2A is asking to increase Trinidad’s lodging tax from 3% to 6%. The lodging tax will continue to be paid by hotel, motel and Air BnB guests-not Trinidad residents.

The money generated by the current 3% lodging tax has supported maintenance and improvements to community parks, trails, and activities here in Trinidad. Doubling that revenue will double the impact on our community by those who choose to visit and play in our backyard. I’m confident in this because of the effort to prioritize local needs, fiscal accountability and transparency in the collection, use and distribution of these funds.

Our environment will benefit too, as a portion of the revenues will support control of invasive vegetation to help knock back wildfire risk, reduce erosion damage, and encourage responsible tourism.

It’s a good way to generate additional revenue without an additional local tax burden on residents. That’s why I’m voting for the measure. Please join me in supporting ballot measure 2A.

Sincerely,

Melissa Toering

Trinidad