The Sonoma City Council unanimously approved placing a measure on the November 2018 ballot to increase the City’s transient occupancy tax (also known as the TOT or hotel tax). This tax is paid on stays of 30 days or less at hotels, inns, and other lodging properties and is applied to the customer’s lodging bill.
TOT revenue is deposited into the General Fund and pays for essential City services that benefit both residents and visitors. These include police protection, fire and paramedic services, emergency preparedness, maintenance of streets and parks, recreation services, maintenance and improvement of City facilities, and other general municipal services to the public.
Measure S would increase the TOT rate from the existing 10% to 12% effective January 1, 2019 and would authorize the City Council to further increase the rate to 13% within the next five years (by January 1, 2024). As a general tax, Measure S requires approval by a simple majority of voters in order to pass.
Learn more about Measure S on the City’s website.