Ponderay residents to decide on bed tax

PONDERAY - Although the vote is exclusive to Ponderay residents, all of Bonner County will be impacted by the success or failure of the balloted bed tax.

A 5-percent tax on short-term stays in hotel rooms, Ponderay officials estimate that it could bring $170,000 annually into the city's coffers. The initiative is the linchpin in securing grant funding for a half-million dollar bus system free to the public and running between Dover, Sandpoint, Ponderay and Kootenai.

"I've heard from a lot of people and businesses that are really hoping for this bus system," Ponderay Mayor Carol Kunzeman said. "Dover has done a terrific job putting this public transportation system together."

Because of its broad impact, businesses and associations across the county are awaiting the outcome of Tuesday's vote. One such organization, Sandpoint Area Lodging and Tourism, expressed its approval of the measure in a letter written by organization chairman Devin Marks.

"The right bus system could benefit visitors looking to ski Schweitzer or catch dinner in town without the worry of parking or having a drink. For locals, those conveniences extend to uses for work, shopping, school, and recreation, all at no expense," he said. "Convenient transportation would encourage more winter visitors which translates into busier shops, restaurants, and services throughout the valley."

However, the city has not yet published an ordinance specifically detailing how the money will be used. According to Kunzeman, since they won't be sure they'll even have the money until after the election, they haven't yet issued public policy contingent on it.