Tourism board urges Coffey County to consider raising transient guest tax to 5%

A representative of the Coffee County Tourism and Visitors Board presented the group’s recommendations to the commission, urging the county to consider raising its transient guest tax from 3% (in place since April 1998) to 5% to better align with neighboring counties and to modestly increase the board’s capacity for targeted marketing and event support.

The presenter, identified in the meeting packet as Jenny, said transient guest tax receipts since Jan. 1, 2026 totaled $11,161, with expenditures of roughly $6,264 and a remaining balance of about $52,567. She told commissioners the board prioritizes local and regional tourism marketing, support for community events that attract out‑of‑county visitors, and investments that directly improve visitor experience such as signage or visitor information services.

Jenny said comparisons with nearby jurisdictions show many counties and municipalities levy 5–6% in guest taxes; the board’s draft recommendation asks the commission to consider increasing Coffey County’s rate to 5%. She noted current receipts are modest (she estimated roughly $4,000–$6,000 per quarter) but argued a higher rate would provide more resources for marketing that could grow stays at motels and short‑term rentals.

The presenter also proposed revisions to the tourism board’s bylaws to ensure required representation from the hotel/motel industry (a position currently unfilled) and to move the county economic development liaison to an ex‑officio, non‑voting role to clarify administrative responsibilities. Jenny said she would remain as an administrative facilitator if that change is adopted.

Commissioners asked for the draft resolution to be placed in next week’s packets for formal consideration. No formal vote was taken on a tax-rate change at the meeting; commissioners requested time to review the draft and to consider the potential budget and legal implications.

Quote: "The tourism board is recommending that Coffee County increase the transient guest tax from 3% to 5%," the presenter said.

Next step: staff will distribute the draft resolution and related fiscal estimates for commission review at a future meeting.