Scotts Valley voters will decide Measure G on Nov. 3. It would raise the city's hotel tax, formally called the transient occupancy tax (TOT), from 11% to 13%.
What it does
According to the city attorney's impartial analysis, the TOT is paid by hotel and motel guests who stay fewer than 30 days in a row, and it is charged on room rent. A guest now pays $11 in tax on a $100 room. If Measure G passes, they would pay $13.
Where the money goes
All TOT revenue goes into the city's general fund. It pays for city operations such as police, recreation, park maintenance and street and road repair. Because it is a general tax and not a special tax, it needs only a simple majority to pass. The analysis notes that many hotel guests are visitors from outside the city, so much of the added revenue would be paid by non-residents.
A yes or no vote
According to Ballotpedia, a yes vote supports raising the rate to 13% and a no vote keeps it at 11%. The City Council put the measure on the ballot.
Endorsement
Lookout Santa Cruz's editorial board has endorsed Measure G. It cited the city's looming budget deficit and called the increase modest for visitors.