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| Steve Barron |
This issue was first raised by Steve Barron in 2016, when he was the county controller. He estimated the county could be adding $100,000 annually to its coffers by imposing its hotel tax on rentals arranged online through Airbnb. His research at that time showed numerous short-term online rentals at private homes.
“This places traditional hotels and bed and breakfast establishments on a more level playing field," argued Barron. "It is not fair to ask one entity or person to pay and not another, no matter how large or small.”
Former Executive John Brown, citing "the complexity of the issue," never moved forward.
Barron is now the county's Director of Fiscal Affairs, and Brown has been succeeded in office by Lamont McClure. McClure and Barron negotiated with Airbnb, and Northampton County is now collecting hotel taxes from this online room finder.
“We’re glad Airbnb has reached this agreement with us,” said McClure. “Our hotel taxes are used to promote tourism and economic development. They provide an important stimulus to our economy.”
Non-profit organizations and municipalities can apply for grants from the Hotel Tax fund to promote events and activities within Northampton County. The Hotel Room Rental Tax is 4%.
10 comments:
of course, dont think you are going to make any money in this county without someone having their hand in your pocket. Taxes and more taxes. If only they could figure out how to tax sex, it seems they is about the only thing they have not been able to tax.
Barron's statement about leveling the playing field is a perfect example of the arrogance and hubris of government. The playing field can be quickly leveled by lowering hotels' taxes. But that never occurs to the self perpetuating government mobsters. They want more and more and more and more and more ......
Robert Ryan at it again, call in drunk to work at KDDI today champ?
They got to pay for the retirees benefits somehow. Wait until everyone’s property tax reassessment are done. Typical tax and spend Democrat.
This is a disappointing conclusion. This deal is one orchestrated by airbnb with states & counties to boost their earnings while ripping off the consumer & states/counties where they refuse to divulge the location of the airbnb hotels nor allow for audit by the county.
It is estimated that less than 50% of the taxes they collect actually goes to the states/counties that sign these agreements. So the county obviously caved & decided half a loaf was better than tracking down these illegal hotels operating in residential communities in the county. Airbnb’s
A leopard doesn't change his tartan. Barron's been shaking down businesses for years, as reported here.
https://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2010/09/barron-threatens-government-retaliation.htmlHe was ANTIFA before ANTIFA was ANTIFA.
And now he's accepted in proper government company. And politicians wonder why they're so despised.
Good point !
7:13, you know antifa is a very specific thing that represents a very specific point of view on a small range of issues, right? Using it as a catch-all for any left-leaning person or group you perceive s vaguely sinister is just dumb.
I go with dumb!
10:48, if the kilt fits ....
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