FREE CONTENT — Occupancy Tax Cruises to Win in Meadville

The 3 percent occupancy tax — often called a "tourism tax" — cruised to a landslide victory after voters in Meadville cast ballots Tuesday.

A total of 81 residents cast a ballot, with the measure passing by 94 percent. Seventy-six people voted "Yes" with only five voting against it.

The tax will apply to hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts and other lodges with more than six rooms available. Mayor Lane Reed said when the measure was approved for a vote by the Board of Aldermen that it was drawn up in a way as not to affect local lodging businesses already in place. It will not apply to food and beverages as many "tourist taxes" do in other areas of the state.

With the development of the Okhissa Lake Lodge and Resort moving forward, the tax is expected to be extremely beneficial for the town once it goes into effect and the development is completed and opened. Meadville annexed its town limits out to the resort area more than a year ago.