Columbia hoteliers are speaking out against a proposed lodging tax increase.
Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid proposed the increase last year, which would seek to raise the lodging tax rate from 4 percent to 7 percent, to raise $17 million for a terminal expansion at Columbia Regional Airport.
Columbia's move is similar to what Jefferson City did in 2011. Jefferson City voters approved a 4-cent per dollar increase to the city's lodging tax, bringing it to 7 cents per dollar to fund construction of a convention center.
But Columbia hoteliers in the area have stated ....