resort city tax plan

Locals will pay most of tax on alcoholic drinks

The resort city tax proposal has a major flaw. In the proposal, the city claims that the tourists will pay the majority of the tax. As it applies to the bed tax, this is true.

Unfortunately, the majority of the 2 percent tax on alcoholic beverages will be paid by locals who dine out and support the downtown restaurants and bars all year long. The seasonal tourist business will only account for a small part of this proposed tax. In other words, this is nothing more than an additional tax on locals and downtown businesses who are already contributing to downtown revitalization through the controversial Business Improvement District tax.

On Tuesday, please vote against the resort city tax proposal's 2 percent proposed tax on alcoholic beverages. Don't allow the city to tax the locals for the impacts of the seasonal tourists.

STEPHEN R. MEYER

Sandpoint