Polson voters oppose 3% resort tax despite property tax relief

(KPAX) POLSON — Polson voters rejected a proposal to enact a resort tax during a special election held Tuesday night.

Lake County Election officials said turnout for the special election was 53.5% with 1,014 no votes cast and 577 yes votes.

The proposed resort tax would have added a 3% tax on purchases of goods and services within Polson city limits from establishments like hotels, camping facilities, restaurants, bars and more.

If approved, the tax would have been collected year-round for a 20-year period beginning July 1.

Polson City Manager Ed Meece said 80% of the resort tax collected would have helped pay for major street reconstruction and preservation work while 17% would go toward property tax relief for properties within the city.

Under state law, only resort cities with a population of 5,500 or less can enact a resort tax. Polson’s current estimated population stands at 5,060.