Lodging tax hike cited as next step to increasing Jefferson City’s drawing power

Monday, January 10, 2011

With less than a month until residents of Jefferson City decide whether to increase the city’s lodging tax from 3 to 7 percent, there are still questions for some voters about potential repercussions of such a decision.

Steve Picker, executive director of the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), is extremely familiar with the issue. By law, all funds that come as a result of Jefferson City’s lodging tax must go to the CVB. Only after Picker’s organization signs an agreement with the City Council can the funds be used for the Conference Center.

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rodinman 2 years, 5 months ago

If by law, all lodging tax funds must go to the CVB, then how can a member of the CVB circumvent the law? Shouldn't the law be changed by the supseding authority? How does the city council plan to fund daily operating expenses if the tax does not generate enough to cover mortgage, payroll, utilities, etc.?

asb 2 years, 5 months ago

Remind me again why the Tergins are being left standing? All I can think of is . . . no good reason really.

wcywing 2 years, 5 months ago

i don't see how this can help JC attact visitors, when there is Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis, and KC that buisnesses can go to. however JC does need to do something, if it wants to grow.

JCLifer 2 years, 5 months ago

This limp little building doesn't even have an arena-sized space to bring in equipment for trade shows, concerts, the Home Show, etc. All this will do is just duplicate existing meeting space that is all over town for small meetings.

If we are going to build something, it needs to be BIGGER and MULTI-PURPOSE. Something for concerts of 3000-5000 people, indoor arena, flexible meeting rooms and multi-purpose use. Places for classes, community and cultural events, trade shows, dances, etc.

What a waste of money this latest proposal is, and the higher tax will DRIVE AWAY visitors. You think agencies and businesses don't consider the high taxes when planning meetings and events?

At least the state workers in the Truman Building might have better parking with this plan.

I don't see how this little thing will attract more tourists and visitors. It certainly won't attract shows or large crowds or any big-name entertainers.

JCLifer 2 years, 5 months ago

That silly law redirecting the money to the CVB needs to be changed. Laws should work for the people, not people working for the law. It is very easy to repeal and change laws- why let a bad decision in the past dictate more bad decisions in the future.

Too many unanswered questions and too much money to vote for this idiocy.

I'M VOTING NO.

usmc00 2 years, 5 months ago

It seems to be too small of a area to build anything worth while right there. I think maybe a rec center for teenagers there would be nice and give them something to do. Whos is pushing for this usless building to be built? What is the goal they are trying to really achieve? I just don't see the point of building this. The capitol plaza doesnt use what they have to the max so what will be special about this new place.

wcywing 2 years, 5 months ago

btw what buildings do they have to tear down to build this thing?

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