Palm Desert City Council Approves Hotel Tax Ballot Measure

PALM DESERT, CA - The Palm Desert City Council Thursday unanimously approved placing a measure on the November ballot to increase the city's hotel tax, which officials say will help generate locally-controlled revenue to fund city services.

What has been titled the City of Palm Desert Community Safety, Vital Services, and Fiscal Stability Measure would, if approved, increase Palm Desert's local hotel/motel tax by 2 percent. Tax revenue would go towards public safety services, as well as road and street maintenance, senior services and water conservation, according to city officials.

"People live in Palm Desert because it offers a high quality of life, safe neighborhoods, and great services," said interim City Manager Justin McCarthy.

"This measure will help maintain public safety services, senior programs, parks, cultural programs, water conservation efforts and other vital services that make Palm Desert a desirable place to live, visit, and do business."

McCarthy said Palm Desert's hotel tax is the lowest in the Coachella Valley.

"Every year, millions of tourists come to the Valley and use our public safety services, roads and natural habitats, and share in and benefit from our quality of life," said McCarthy.

"This measure simply ensures that tourists pay their fair share for the services they use when they spend the night at local hotels."

— By City News Service. Image via Shutterstock.