The Plumas County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on December 23 to decide on the future of the Plumas County Tourism Marketing District (TMD), a topic that has sparked months of debate. The key issue is whether to approve a 10-year extension of the district and allow the Plumas County Tourism Association (PCT) to increase its share of the transient occupancy tax (TOT) from 2% to 3%.
Currently, overnight visitors pay an 11% TOT, with most of the revenue going to the county general fund. The proposed 1% increase would generate approximately $390,000 annually for the PCT, which plans to use the funds primarily for marketing efforts, including its website and promotional magazine features highlighting local attractions.
However, the proposal has met significant resistance from some lodging owners, particularly those in eastern Plumas County who did not join the marketing district when it was established in 2020. Opponents like Clint Koble, a Lake Almanor lodging owner, argue they are underrepresented and do not benefit sufficiently from PCT’s activities. While supportive of the PCT’s mission, Koble and others oppose the tax increase and advocate for a more inclusive decision-making process involving a broader group of motel owners across the county.
The upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the future funding and structure of Plumas County’s tourism marketing efforts amid these competing interests.
