PD Editorial: Yes on Measure N

Tourism has become a cornerstone industry for Sonoma County, pumping an estimated $1.32 billion into the local economy in 2006.

Thousands of visitors are drawn to our scenic coastline, renowned wineries and vast opportunities for outdoor recreation. Like permanent residents, these visitors use local roads and sometimes need police, an ambulance ride or another public service.

Transient-occupancy taxes, also known as hotel taxes or bed taxes, help pay for those services.

On Nov. 4, voters in Windsor will be asked to increase the local bed tax from 8 percent to 12 percent. Measure N would raise an estimated $300,000 a year.

Windsor officials have done a laudable job of managing their budget. But they still had to cut $1.7 million from the general fund this year.

Mayor Debora Fudge and other supporters say added revenue from Measure N is needed to maintain public services, such as community events on the Town Green, which attract tourists. The revenue also can be used for other services, such as the maintenance program that has Windsor's roads rated as the best in Sonoma County.

A bed tax, supporters point out, can't be diverted by state lawmakers, who have repeatedly tapped cities and counties in recent years to help balance the state's budget.

Critics say a bed tax would hurt one of the bright spots in the local economy. But who ever canceled a trip based on the bed-tax rate? Or even checked the rate in advance?

Windsor's current bed tax is the lowest in Sonoma County. If Measure N passes, the new rate would match Healdsburg and Rohnert Park, which charge the highest rate in the county.

The combination of a weak dollar, which makes the U.S. an attractive destination, and the fact that Windsor has a new hotel preparing to open, with the prospect for another, makes this a good time to consider the tax rate.

Bed taxes are one of the few revenue options for local government in California, and Windsor residents deserve top-notch public services, so we recommend a vote for Measure N.