Say "NO" to the Town's Proposed Lodging and Meals Tax Increase

To:       All Chamber of Commerce Members

Date:   May 20, 2024

The Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce would like all its members to be informed that the Chamber is in total support of the businesses and residents that will be affected by the Town’s effort to raise the Transient Lodging Tax and the Meals Tax.  This is putting a burden on our lodging and restaurant members by singling out two business groups to make up for part of the Town’s budget shortfall.  As a resort town, these two industries are our most important draw when it comes to attracting visitors.  David Lipshaw (The Plaza), Kelly Woods Vaughn (Riverview Inn), and Steve Keene (The Pink Poodle) represented the Chamber at the May 5th hearing on the issue of the tax raise.

We are convinced that their compelling reports played a large part in the delay of a vote being taken at the May 15th Town Council meeting. This will adversely affect the visitors / tourism that we so heavily rely on during the months of April through October.  We now have until June 5th to put together the facts and figures needed to keep this tax increase from happening.

We encourage the public and our businesses to attend this meeting on June 5th at 6:00 p.m. Town Hall and show support for these local businesses and residents (meals tax) that are going to be affected by this tax increase.  If you are unable to attend the meeting and speak on behalf of our restaurants and lodging, we ask that you sign the attached signature page or send a letter to Heather Oliver, (HOliver@colonialbeachva.gov) Town Clerk to be read at the meeting.

Sincerely,

Carey W. Geddes
President, Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce

Download and complete the letter/form and return to the Chamber Office by mail, drop-off, or email to info@colonialbeach.org by June 4,  2024

or

complete the online form below by June 4, 2024.