If this lodging tax passes, it could be bad for Keystone. 

Last year, I was convinced by the future town committee that we would have the financial support to create a safe community with all the sales tax revenue headed our way. They drilled the importance of Colorado Highway 6 safety. And I remember they even bragged that the county’s 2% lodging tax would be cut. So I signed the petition and voted for this town.

When they reintroduced the 2% lodging tax through a ballot measure proposal, I requested they change the wording. As a short-term rental host, I know that the reservations made today are legal contracts, no matter if the arrival date is next year. The fees are collected when the reservation is made. I researched the legality, and I believe I was correct. I don’t think the town can’t make the short-term rental hosts break the paid contracts currently on the books and add the 2% tax in 2025 when the guests arrive. This could encourage Keystone’s first lawsuit.

At first, the ballot measure claimed to bring in $1.2 million revenue. The next time it was discussed at $1.6 million. Now they are only guessing of a win of $2 million without sound data. The council must be aware of the fact that short-term rentals are seeing a 25% drop in Summit County reservations for the 2024-25 ski season. It may turn out to claim even $1 million of revenue.

Please vote no. It is time we, as registered voters, take a stand for the council to take a year or two to learn and just do what they claimed and promised to our new town!