The board of supervisors will consider an item Tuesday to establish a Tourism Business Improvement District in San Benito County to help promote tourism.
These districts are known as TBIDs and aim to help hotel owners increase tourism, according to the county’s agenda for the 9 a.m. meeting. Lodging businesses form associations and raise funds to promote tourism, public events, marketing and economic development. The local districts also would be funded by a potential increase in the transient occupancy tax, or hotel tax, if the districts are established.
In December, the board considered placing a proposed TOT increase on the November 2014 general election ballot in order to fund tourism promotion. If added to the ballot and approved by voters, the tax would increase from 8 percent to between 10 and 12 percent, bringing in another $20,000 a year to the county for tourism promotion.
The county currently has eight hotels, two guest ranches and five recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds, according to the county agenda. The city is currently processing an application for a new Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott Hotel to be built at 390 Gateway Drive, just west of Tiffany Ford.
Lodging establishment officials are expected to meet with county officials Wednesday to discuss the proposal and submit their own ideas. TBIDs take about six months to form, according to county documents.
Also on the agenda:
• The board will receive a report on San Benito County in regards to a drought emergency declaration issued by the state in January.
• The board will also receive a progress report on the general plan update, as well as a mid-year financial review and 2013 year-end report.
