The Grand Island City Council voted unanimously to increase the city’s hotel tax.
The unanimous vote during Tuesday night’s meeting will raise the tax from two to four percent and will be earmarked for long‑term improvements at the city‑owned Heartland Events Center.
Council members noted the arena drives overnight stays, making hotel visitors a logical funding source.
Tourism Director Brad Mellema said the council’s support followed clearer direction on how the additional revenue would be used.
“The hotel increase in the occupancy tax that’s going to go towards the Heartland Event Center. That’s important money for a very important facility for tourism in our community. It does affect a area of business, and we wanted the council to be aware of that. And I think that they were and went through with a very prudent decision,” Mellema said following the meeting.
City officials also noted Grand Island’s hotel tax will remain in line with similar communities.
In related action, the council voted to use a different fund to help sustain livestock shows at Fonner Park. LB840 economic development funds can be earmarked for tourism related activities and the council voted to use $600,000 over two years to support livestock events.
