Lodging tax to go to Teton County, Wyoming voters in November

Teton County, Wyoming voters will be asked to renew a 2 percent lodging tax at the polls November 6.

The tax was originally approved by voters in 2010 and renewed in 2014. It is automatically up for renewal every four years.

The Board of County Commissioners approved wording for the ballot Tuesday.

The revenue is collected from lodging establishments in Teton County, including the southern half of Yellowstone National Park.

The collected tax is split 60 percent for promotion, 30 percent for visitor impacts and 10 percent for the general fund.

By state statute, visitor impacts include such things as parking, public transportation, restrooms, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, museums and other displays. The state allows counties to collect up to 4 percent tax on lodging services.

If voters reject the 2 percent lodging tax, the county cannot bring it back for reconsideration for at least 11 months.