Country Commissionar Adopt Amended Sales Tax Proposal

WTIP Grand Marais- Commissioners unanimously supported a resolution to amend the use of the 1% sales tax that currently goes toward paying off the hospital bond to include other community, civic and economic infrastructure projects.

Commissioners also gave their support to the Economic Analysis Council, a group of business owners advocating for the betterment of the county’s economy through efforts designed to bolster tourism, endorsing their proposal to increase tourism-related taxes countywide. The approved resolution would increase the lodging tax by half a percent and would institute a 3 % tax on recreation and entertainment in the county. The resolution would direct funds collected via these taxes into a new countywide event and visitors’ bureau.

A proposed 2 % tax on restaurant and bar sales was dropped from the group’s proposal after a meeting held Monday evening with local business owners. Many restaurant and bar owner had expressed their opposition to extending the sales tax to include restaurant meals and liquor.