Finney County Raises Bed Tax

The tax you pay to stay in a Finney County hotel is going up. But a vote of 4-1 Monday morning, the county commission approved raising the local hotel tax to six percent a move they hope will actually help tourism.

Local leaders say raising the tax from four to six percent will bring in more money that will eventually bring more tourists to the area.

Finney Count s hotel, or bed, tax has t been raised since 2005. Tourism officials say to stay competitive with area towns, including Liberal and Dodge City, who already have a six-percent tax, the increase was needed.

In the last fiscal year, the bed tax brought in just over $400,000 and officials hope the two-percent increase will bring an extra $200,000 to the country, which could then be used to attract more tourism.

Among the suggestions is bringing in more sporting events such as basketball and soccer tournaments.

Officials say the increase should go into effect in early July. In two years the ll take another look at the issue to see if they want to continue charging six percent for the hotel tax.