Arlington leaders appear likely to get half a loaf in their efforts to retain taxing authority that pays for tourism promotion.
The House of Delegates’ Committee on Finance on Feb. 26 voted 14-4 on a measure allowing the county government to retain its ability to levy a 0.25-percent surtax on hotel stays. The resulting $1.2 million per year helps fund promotion efforts of Arlington Economic Development.
The measure is patroned by state Sen. Janet Howell (D-32nd), and won a comfortable 30-8 passage in the state Senate before being sent to the House committee. It now goes to the House floor.
Arlington’s business and hospitality community backed the measure, which helps fund outreach to growing international markets and the ability of county staff to participate in trade shows.
