Local leaders and community members in Brown County are working as a group to find the best uses of the Innkeepers Tax to improve tourism and quality of life.
The “Quality of Life Working Group” met again June 12. County Council member Scott Rudd says the group is still compiling investment opportunities.
“The goal of the working group is to provide recommendations on how the innkeepers tax could be used over the next 20 years,” he said.
Suggestions will go first to the Convention and Visitors Commission. From there, the county council will consider the recommendations as part of the budgeting process.
“The investments from the Innkeepers Tax have to go to nonprofits in Brown County,” he added. “We want all the investments, every dollar, to benefit both tourism and locals.”
Those quality-of-life improvements projects may include improvements to the courthouse grounds and historic Pioneer Village in downtown Nashville. The group also discussed ideas such as ball field lights and a new pump track at Deer Run Park.
Read more: Brown County considering major investments with additional Innkeepers Tax revenue
“All these things have both tourist and local related benefits to them, that's a thing. I think that's going to happen here out of these funds,” Rudd said.
The county is increasing its innkeepers’ tax from 5% to 8% and the council will vote on the tax increase July 1.
The county estimates the increased Innkeepers Tax could generate up to $21 million over the next 20 years.