Washington County, Tenn. Commission approves Hotel/Motel Tax
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – On Monday evening, the Washington County, Tennessee Commission met for its monthly meeting.
On the agenda was a resolution to enact a lodging tax, or a hotel/motel tax, for the county. The tax would go toward tourism in the area.
The tax would add an additional 1% in Johnson City, and an additional 3% in Jonesborough on hotels, motels and short-term rentals, such as Airbnb.
At the meeting, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association Executive Director Alicia Phelps, accompanied by Visit Johnson City Executive Director Brenda Whitson and Jonesborough Director of Tourism Cameo Waters, spoke to the commission about what the tax would do for county tourism if an advisory committee and a cohesive plan was put into place.
“A 20% increase in awareness, with the right plan and a committee in place,” Phelps told the commissioners. “A very conservative 8% increase in visitor spending, and you’re currently seeing a 20-1 return, so for every dollar you spend [in tourism], you get $20 back.”
The commission voted to approve the resolution with 13 yes, 1 no and 1 absent.
Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy told News Channel 11 that there is no set date for when the tax will go into effect.
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