Published: June 30, 2008 11:09 pm            

Miami County innkeeper’s tax starts today

County will use funds to promote tourism

PERU — Guests spending a night in a Miami County motel or bed and breakfast will receive a higher bill starting today.

A 5-percent innkeeper’s tax approved by the Miami County Council in January became effective today. The revenue will begin coming to the tourism bureau in late August.

A five-member commission has been appointed by Miami County Commissioners and Peru Mayor Jim Walker to oversee operations of the Miami County Tourism Bureau.

Serving on the commission are Ken Frierson, Steve Reiff, Shannon See, Steve Gough and Susan Gehl.

The county’s ordinance requires at least three of the tourism commissioners to be employed in the tourism business and two in the lodging business. Each is appointed to a two-year term.

Miami County Director of Tourism Debbie Bowsher said the office has previously operated with county economic development income tax revenues. The city of Peru and Miami County provide $25,000 each to the tourism bureau. The innkeeper’s tax is expected to generate $75,000 per year.

The Miami County Council has to approve the expenditure of any funds before money is distributed by the county auditor.

“We have been marketing already at trade shows and in magazines,” Bowsher said. “We have a lot that can be marketed in Miami County. We will continue to promote overnight stays in Miami County and to bring visitors to the community.”

Bowsher said the community’s largest event, Circus Days, is approaching and the Tourism Bureau will have a booth set up to market the community to visitors.

Currently tourism is operated through the Peru/Miami County Chamber of Commerce. Last year $40,000 was spent on marketing with the remaining $10,000 used to pay the salary of a part-time employee and for rental space in the chamber offices.

Ken de la Bastide can be reached at (765) 454 -8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com

        

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