Sibley, Iowa — A hotel/motel tax in the rural areas of Osceola County has apparently been approved by voters there.
The measure passed 88.8 percent to 11.1 percent. 198 ballots were cast, with 178 voting “yes,” and 22 voting “no.”
The tax will only be paid by people who stay at motels in the rural portions of Osceola County.
The text of the measure read, “Shall the Board of Supervisors, Osceola County, Iowa, be authorized to impose a hotel and motel tax at the rate of five percent (5%) in the unincorporated area of Osceola County, effective July 1, 2015 which shall be used by Osceola County according to Iowa Code Section 423A.7(4), 2013 Code of Iowa.”
According to that code section, at least half of the money raised through the tax has to be used for tourism-related activities. The other half can go in the county general fund.
