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Resort Tax Increase Approved by Voters
Residents in both the Village of Put-in-Bay and Put-in-Bay Township voted in favor of increasing the island’s resort tax during Tuesday’s primary election, based on unofficial results reported by the Ottawa County Board of Elections.
The measure raises the existing resort tax rate from 1.5% to 2%, representing a 0.5% increase. It does not establish a new tax but modifies the current rate already in place.
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Unofficial election results showed strong support in the Village, where voters approved the measure by a margin of 38 to 18, or 67.86% to 32.14%. In the Township, the proposal passed by a narrower margin, receiving 97 votes in favor and 88 against, or 52.43% to 47.57%.
The resort tax is collected on a variety of purchases made on the island, including meals, beverages, retail sales and certain services.
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Advocates for the increase have said the additional revenue will be used largely to support police, fire and EMS operations that experience heightened demand during the busy tourism season. During public discussions before the election, officials noted that the island’s population swells significantly during the summer months, placing added pressure on emergency and public safety services.
Will Go Info Effect After The Season
Supporters also pointed out that the resort tax rate had remained unchanged for more than two decades.
With approval from voters in both jurisdictions and the election results official, the higher tax rate will take effect throughout the Village and Township after this season is over.