Published: March 01, 2009 11:40 am      

Hotel/motel tax up for renewal

DUNCAN — Tourism often brings money to Duncan. If the Hotel/Motel Tax is renewed, tourism may continue to be as prosperous for the city.

The City of Duncan will have a special election on Tuesday for voters to cast ballots regarding the 5 percent tax. The tax has been in place for 12 years at no cost to Duncan residents.

Duncan City Manager Clyde Shaw said, “The money is a commitment to the Simmons Center and the Convention and Visitors Bureau at no cost for citizens. The city itself receives nothing.”

Shaw said the tax money helps bring events to Duncan and helps with advertising costs. The funds also help offset the operational expenses of the Simmons Center and building maintenance.

The money also goes toward the costs of the City of Duncan maps, which are sponsored by the Duncan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said the residents gets an indirect benefit from the tax, although they don’t have to pay the tax. He said they get to enjoy having more recreational opportunities in their own community.

“The rate of 5 percent is low and reasonable compared to some other cities,” Shaw said.

The tax has raised upwards of $1.78 million in 12 years.

“There’s a national report that shows that for every one dollar received in community through tourism, it turns over and ends up being about $2.68 for everyone.”

Shaw said people should approve the tax because it does have positive applications for the City of Duncan.

“It’s something that should be supported by the community,” Shaw said. “It helps bring in outside money.”

While the tax is up for approval of the community, only certain election precincts will be open on Tuesday. Only voters who live within Duncan city limits will get to take part in the election.

Precincts voting in the election include the Christian Center, First United Methodist Church, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Eastside Church of Christ, Chisholm Trail Church of Christ, Highland Park Baptist Church, Cameron University-Duncan, Western Heights Baptist Church, West Side Christian Church, Elk Avenue Church of Christ, Gatlin Baptist Church, Lakeside Baptist Church, Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church and Empire Community Center.

Voters will also get a chance to take part in the election through in-person absentee voting, which concludes on Monday in the Stephens County Courthouse.