Excise tax would fund cost of new convention center

Bed tax would add 3% to hotel guest bills

Lorain County voters will decide on a new excise tax to fund the design and construction of a new convention center.

The three percent tax commonly referred to as a bed tax or lodging tax, would be added onto bills of individuals staying in Lorain County hotels.

Lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy estimated the tax could generate between $600,000 and $700,000 a year in a good economic environment.

The commissioners voted Aug. 3 to send the question to voter, believing a new convention center would fill a need for another venue for events, graduations and conferences.

Currently, Lorain County has limited options with only a couple of facilities capable of accommodating between 500 and 600 guests, and some larger events being forced outside of the county.

If passed, Ohio law stipulates an 11-member bipartisan convention board would be established to determine the size and scope of the facility based on the needs of the community.

Lundy noted at the time, the focus of the convention board would be on the functionality of the facility and they would hire a consultant to assist in conducting a study.

The convention board would be made up of representatives from the business, hospitality and tourism industries in addition to elected officials in the community.

The commissioners sought assistance from a bipartisan group of legislators with Commissioner Dave Moore and Lundy working together in bringing the proposal to fruition.

Moore said at the time, that state representatives Joe Miller, Dick Stein and Gayle Manning, in addition to state Sen. Nathan Manning, were instrumental in providing assistance in developing this proposal and bringing it forward for consideration by voters.

“This is a huge bi-partisan effort on this board’s part, and Columbus’ part, to get this passed at the state level so the citizens can have a decision this November,” Moore said.

If voters give the okay, Lundy said he would like to see a facility capable of accommodating 1,000 people as another venue to keep big events in Lorain County.

The municipalities of Sheffield Village and Avon each have lodging taxes levied on hotel bills, and the Lorain County proposal would be the first county wide lodging tax.