Meadville could tax hotel stays for tourism and parks

Meadville's governing authorities could impose a tax of up to 3% on room rentals. The tax would apply to hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts in Meadville with at least six guest rooms. The tax would exclude room rentals lasting 30 days or longer. Town voters would have to approve the tax, with at least 60% of voters in the election voting for it. The governing authorities would set the tax rate and effective date in a resolution. The tax could begin on the date stated in the resolution after voter approval and would be repealed from and after July 1, 2030.

Lodging operators would add and collect the tax when practical, report it through state tax procedures, and pay it to the Department of Revenue. The rules would cover tax collected under the proposed Meadville room-rental tax and the town's handling of its proceeds. The Department of Revenue would keep 3% of the proceeds to cover collection costs. The town could spend the remaining proceeds only on tourism and parks and recreation. The town would need an approved budget before spending the proceeds and would keep separate records and obtain an annual independent audit. The Department of Revenue would send the remaining proceeds to the town by the 15th day of the month after collection; the audit would follow each fiscal year.