Council signals support for placing accommodations tax increase on November ballot

City staff presented a recommendation to consider increasing the accommodations tax (applied to short‑term rentals and lodgings under 30 days) from 5% to 8% and to place a ballot question on the Nov. 3 election.

Deputy City Manager Jason Lovelund explained the tax has been 5% since the early 1980s and that increasing it would make Northglenn’s rate more competitive with surrounding jurisdictions; he said the city estimates it would cost about $20,000 to place a question on the ballot. He displayed a comparison of nearby municipalities whose accommodation rates range from 2% up to about 10% in larger mountain towns.

Council discussion focused on choosing a level that would not undercut nearby hosts or drive business to adjacent jurisdictions. Council Member Severs suggested 7% to stay close to Thornton and Westminster; other council members favored putting the decision to voters and several expressed comfort with 8% so residents can weigh the choice.

No binding decision was made during the study session; staff will prepare ballot language, cost estimates and return with an ordinance or ballot resolution for council action.