Jackson – The Amador County Board of Supervisors approved an increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax from 6 percent to 10 percent during their meeting on Tuesday. Transient Occupancy taxes are typically levied for the privilege of staying in a room at a hotel, motel or other lodging. In the words of County Administrative Officer Terri Daly, “It’s the tax you see at the bottom of your bill when you stay in a hotel.” She said “for the most part, the tax applies to people coming from elsewhere and staying in our county.” Amador County’s traditional rate of 6 percent was far less than surrounding counties, where rates average 12 to 15 percent. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jacqueline Lucido said the added revenue could be funneled back into the promotion of tourism. She added that it would benefit the county to collect from thousands of other facilities, including rv parks. “Other counties get 12 to 15 percent. Really, we’re the low man on the totem pole,” she said. In a letter to the board, Chamber of Commerce President Al Lennox said the increase “would enhance the base amount collected going to the General Fund” and “bring much needed revenue into the County.” Supervisor Brian Oneto said he would like to see the additional 4 percent go towards promotion. Forster inquired as to whether they could legally charge visitors but not charge locals. County staff did not have that information. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved raising the occupancy tax rate throughout the county to 10 percent. Story by Alex Lane This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it