Mahoning County Commissioners raise bed tax - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

Mahoning County Commissioners raise bed tax

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Over strong opposition from hotel operators and the lodging industry, Mahoning County Commissioners voted 2-1 to increase the county bed tax from three-percent to five-percent.

Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti says the hike is needed to sustain and upgrade the airport and attract more business to the area. The hotel operators say the higher tax will drive group tours and convention business out of the county.

"That's exactly what's going to happen. They're going to look for the lower bed tax. If you can get somewhere that's six percent less you're going to drive that extra 15-20 minutes," said Michael Naffah, from Hampton Inn & Suites.

Commissioner John McNally also voted for the tax hike, while Commissioner Anthony Traficanti voted no, saying the current economy is not a time to be raising taxes.

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