“This helps the residents of Clinton County and helps keep property taxes down.”

RISK ‘WORTH IT’

Terry Meron, owner of the Comfort Inn in Plattsburgh and a member of the committee that recommended the bed tax, said there is some risk because the measure adds cost to rooms and the local hotel market is price sensitive.

But he thinks it is worth it, especially if the money is used for marketing the area’s attractions, such as Lake Champlain and its military history.

“It’s an investment to try to bring more business to the county.”

That’s what lures tourists and encourages them to stay longer, Meron said, adding that their spending creates retail jobs and benefits people throughout the county.

Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said the tax will help the county set up specific marketing plans.

“This couldn’t come at a more important time. We have great opportunities at our doorstep for greater visitation but lack the resources to maximize those opportunities through aggressive marketing.”

Douglas said the tax will help bring more Canadians to the area.

“This will allow us to really step up our marketing to Canadians, who are ripe to come and spend here, thanks to the exchange rate, but who need to hear from us through targeted outreach.”

Zurlo said the county must hold a public hearing this summer before voting to enact the occupancy tax.

— Staff Writer Dan Heath contributed to this report.