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Columbia to Vote on Prop 1, a Hotel Tax Hike for Airport Improvements

Sully Fox
/
KBIA file photo

In Columbia, voters will decide on Proposition 1 in Tuesday's primary election. Prop 1 would increase taxes from 4 percent to 5 percent at hotels and motels. The money would be used to make improvements at the Columbia Regional Airport, including building a new terminal. 

City leaders have been trying to find money to pay for major changes for years. The proposition language says the rate would go back to 4 percent in 23 years at the latest. The Columbia Missourian reports Mayor Brian Treece has said the tax increase would be retired once it raises $10 million, which is projected to take 3 to 5 years. Once it raises $10 million, the city would apply for grants from the Federal Aviation Administration to finance the project, which would cost $38 million total.

The Columbia Hospitality Association has questioned wither the plans are specific enough to assure the money would be spent as originally intended. 

Ryan served as the KBIA News Director from February 2011 to September 2023