The Indian Trail Town Council has voted to place this referendum on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot. As such, the November ballot includes a proposal for up to a 5% occupancy tax that would fund tourism-related initiatives, such as recreational amenities for residents and visitors, as well as promote travel and tourism.
About the Occupancy Tax
What is an Occupancy Tax?
An occupancy tax, also known as a lodging tax or room tax, would be paid for by visitors to Indian Trail who stay in short-term rentals, such as an Airbnb or a future hotel located within the Town limits. Residents would not pay for the tax unless they stayed in a short-term rental in Indian Trail.
Most cities in the United States have an occupancy tax, including 90 counties and 110 municipalities in North Carolina. When people travel, they are most likely paying an occupancy tax to stay in a hotel or other lodging.
How can the Town Use the Funds Generated by the Occupancy Tax?
Per North Carolina law, occupancy tax revenues can only be used for tourism-related purposes, including promoting tourism and travel. If the occupancy tax passes, Indian Trail could use the funds to invest in tourism-related amenities, such as enhancing the Town’s parks and recreational spaces, creating a future multi-generational community center, and supporting downtown business development.
How Will an Occupancy Tax Benefit Indian Trail?
The occupancy tax would provide a new, dedicated revenue stream that is not funded by taxpayers. It would allow the Town to enhance its amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy, as do many of the Indian Trail’s neighboring communities. For example, the City of Monroe received more than $800,000 in occupancy tax revenue last year, which was used to invest in community amenities and events.
Learn more about the Occupancy Tax at https://indiantrail.org/1808/Occupancy-Tax.
Early Voting
Early voting for the Nov. 5 General Election begins today, Thursday, Oct. 17, and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2. There are multiple early voting locations throughout the county.
Early voting is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Those who are not registered can register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during the early voting period.
For locations and additional early voting information, visit https://www.unioncountyncelections.gov/.