October 3, 2022
By Emily Mibach
Daily Post Staff Writer
Belmont voters are being asked to raise the city’s hotel tax, which is an extra charge guests pay when they stay in the city.
The tax would go from 12% to 14% and would bring about $600,000 into the city’s coffers. The tax requires a simple majority to pass.
To compare with other cities, San Mateo’s hotel tax is 14% and San Carlos’ is currently 13%, and will increase to 14% on Jan. 1. Half Moon Bay’s tax is 15% and Palo Alto’s is 15.5%.
Belmont voters last approved a hotel tax increase in 2018. That vote raised the tax from 10% to 12%. The vote also gave the city permission to tax rentals through apps such as Airbnb.Belmont officials have been looking for ways to increase revenue over the past few years due to unreliable state funding.
The council opted to put the hotel tax on the ballot instead of changing the city’s business license tax. This was because businesses objected to the new tax structure and council members wanted to work things out with business owners.
The city says the money will go toward fixing potholes, repairing streets and sidewalks and maintaining 911 response times.