Comments on: Town Council Plans 23% Increase in Lodging Tax

By: Sandy Mayer

Sandy Mayer — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 04:03:35 +0000

We have a rental cottage on Mason that pays transient tax and water. The difference between 10.3% and 11% will not make a difference in occupancy.

By: Veann Duvall

Veann Duvall — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:46:41 +0000

To Sandy Mayer: Are you kidding me? Let’s face it — you are selling out and getting out of Dodge (Cape Charles), so what do you care if they raise the tax? The water bill didn’t go up because of the lawsuits. The water bill and taxes continue to rise because of the over-built, stinky sewer plant that your friend Bob arranged. The citizens are fed up with paying taxes to fund the Town Council’s stupid ideas. The people currently running this town will continue to raise taxes and water bills.

By: Donna Olney Kohler

Donna Olney Kohler — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 17:19:59 +0000

As one of the owners of Fig Street Inn, I speak for myself in saying that I am willing to consider a .7% increase in the lodging tax, but I have many concerns about how that money will be allocated, and the process on who decides what projects get funding. Without knowing more about that plan, I cannot agree to an increase. Fig Street Inn is a member of the Cape Charles Bed & Breakfast Association, and it is incorrect to say the B&Bs are on board with an increase. We did discuss, but we did not come to a decision or vote. At this point, each property should speak for themselves.

By: Dana Lascu

Dana Lascu — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:50:51 +0000

To the Mayers: Last I checked, your B&B was for sale, so of course you can’t foresee that an increase in the transient occupancy tax would have a negative effect on your business. The opinions of owners/managers committed to a future in the lodging business carry more weight. Perhaps we should hear from them.

By: Sandy Mayer

Sandy Mayer — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:39:40 +0000

It is my understanding that the town was overburdened with lawsuits about the old school and the bathrooms in Central Park. Consequently, all the non-profits that usually were given a boost to continue their good work lost their money — Tall Ships, the Museum, Arts Enter to mention a few. That is also why our water bill went up. Our great new website needs to continue. We need expanded hours at the Welcome Center. The B&B’s are on board with the .7% increase. If you don’t like the small tax increase to fund necessary programs, then you need to think of another way to raise money — raise the water bill again maybe, tourists or homeowners. That is the choice.

By: Hank & Sandy Mayer

Hank & Sandy Mayer — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:34:57 +0000

We own both a B&B and vacation rental property in Cape Charles, and do not believe that a 0.7% increase in the transient occupancy tax will have a negative effect on our businesses or other lodging in the Town. This total of 11.0% in lodging taxes will be less than the 11.3% currently charged in Chincoteague and 14.0% in Virginia Beach. The proceeds will be used to attract the hundreds of thousands of possible visitors who drive past us on Route 13 or who live within an hour’s drive to come visit Cape Charles. It will also contribute support to Tall Ships Cape Charles, the Welcome Center, Harbor for the Arts, and other programs that benefit our lodging, restaurants, and retail businesses.

By: Steve Downs

Steve Downs — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:33:56 +0000

That’s right! Stick your hands in our visitors’ pockets and steal their wallets! While running a pizzeria in town, I found more than a few customers were appalled at the 10% tax on their meals. I can’t imagine how they will feel about the taxes on lodging. And this town thinks it is visitor friendly? Hardly. What you will be doing is going to make visitors think twice about visiting Cape Charles.
Can’t wait for elections!

By: Barbara Murray

Barbara Murray — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:24:50 +0000

Great! Just another tax increase that will keep tourists away from Cape Charles. You may as well just roll up the streets and get it over with! How about lowering the tax to encourage more visitors? Remember, it works every time: lower taxes — increased revenue. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.

By: Sandy Mayer

Sandy Mayer — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 05:43:34 +0000

The lodging tax will go from 10.3% (which is difficult to explain to guests) to 11%. It is my understanding that the increase will help to finance the new Cape Charles website http://www.capecharlesbythebayy.com and other necessary tourism items, like perhaps extending hours at the Museum and Welcome Center. The Museum was one of the nonprofits that was severely cut from the town’s budget and needs donations to survive.