Borough Assembly passes bed tax amendments

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly passed an ordinance that slightly revises the accommodations tax. The 30-day clause is now 60 days and accommodations now include wall tents.

The Borough Assembly spent an hour Tuesday night debating and discussing proposed changes to the bed tax ordinance. Proposed changes were an effort to expand the tax base in hopes of paying for roadside kiosks, bathrooms and other needed amenities.

One of the changes proposed was to add RV campsites and wall tents to the list of accommodations that receive a 5% overnight accommodations tax. There was also a proposed change to make the upper overnight limit 60 days instead of 30 days.

Several people testified, including Park superintendant Wayne Biessel, who said the proposed change would be almost impossible to manage in the state parks system. He said RVs are treated no different than tent campsites and to try and manage the extra dollar they would be charged would be an accounting nightmare.

After debate and public testimony, the assembly voted to amend the ordinance minus charging RV sites the bed tax. So-called permanent wall tent structures used for accommodations stays will now be taxed. Those individuals accompanied by fishing guides on wilderness treks or campgrounds in state parks will not be taxed. RV campsites will not be charged. Now those staying for 60 days or less in hotels, bed and breakfasts, wall tents and other such accommodations will be subject to the accommodations tax.

The changes take effect January 1, 2009.