Polson's resort tax vote set for Feb. 2

The Lake County Election Office last week released an official notification of a special election in Polson on a proposed resort tax, set for Feb. 2.

In October the Polson City Commission voted unanimously to put a resort tax to voters. If approved, the measure would put in place a 3% tax on select luxury retail items and services for 20 years beginning July 1. It would return 3% of funds collected to vendors with 97% going to the city. Of that 97%, 17% would go toward property tax relief, 80% would go toward city street improvements and 3% would be allocated to administrative costs.

City staff have been holding a series of informational forums on the proposal, conducted remotely via Zoom. The final forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. More information on the forum is available at the city’s website, cityofpolson.com, which also has a homepage tab labeled “Resort Tax Initiative” with all related links.

The proposed tax would apply to the retail value of “all goods and services sold by lodging or camping facilities; restaurants, fast food stores and other food service establishments; all public establishments serving alcoholic beverages by the drink; destination recreational facilities; and luxuries sold by other establishments,” according to the election office.

The tax would take effect July 1 and would remain in effect 12 months a year for 20 years.

The election will be conducted by mail ballot. All active electors of the city of Polson are entitled to vote in the election. Ballots will be mailed to active electors on Jan. 13. Voted ballots must be received in the Lake County Election Office by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.

Those who do not receive a ballot should contact the election office at 406- 883-7268 for instructions on how to register or update your registration to receive a ballot.

In-person registration, voting and ballot drop-off is available at the county elections office located at the Lake County Courthouse, 106 4th Ave E., Polson between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The election office will have extended hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.