Measure G would give Scotts Valley the highest hotel tax rate in Santa Cruz County, writes Santa Cruz County Hotel & Lodging Association President Bijal Patel. Patel says the city moved forward with the new tax proposal without an independent economic study or meaningful dialogue with local hotels, which supported a smaller increase to 12%. Higher taxes might help the city, but they could hurt hotel workers, local businesses and tourism, he writes. Also, he worries the revenue will go into the city’s general fund without a specified purpose.
