Hotel/motel tax discussed in Sylvania - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Those who work at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in Sylvania are doing everything they can to keep city council from collecting a 3% tax.

The owner said, "I realize that the state is cutting everything and we're in the same boat.  We bid on these contracts to bring people to town."

In Lucas County, every community has the right to impose what's called a hotel/motel tax.  For the last several years, the City of Sylvania has not.  But now, with the stat of the economy, city leaders say that 3% could mean thousands of dollars for the community.

"We project that it could mean between $60,000 and $70,000 annually," William Sanford, the Director of Economic Development for the city of Sylvania said.  "The 3% tax would then be imposed on the guests at the hotel.

And that is where the problem lies with the Wingate.

Hotel personnel are worried the extra tax will make it nearly impossible for them to compete with similar hotels in the area.

That's why the owner of the Wingate asked council to hold off, at least until they can get the facts in order.

"I would like to ask council for 45 days to have our counselor look everything over," he said.

All members approved the motion, so the tax is on the back burner, at least for now.

Council and hotel leaders will meet to discuss the matter again in February.