RSCVA approves room tax hike

The action would raise the tax paid by hotel and motel guests by 3 percent on all properties outside downtown Reno.

The tax paid at hotels and motels within the downtown corridor would increase by 2 percent. Those properties already pay an extra 1 percent to fund the lowering of the railroad tracks through downtown.

The measure still needs approval from lawmakers in Carson City.

If enacted, the room tax rate would amount to 12 percent in Reno and Washoe County and 11 percent in Sparks.

Tourism officials have said each penny-per-dollar increase in the room tax rate in Washoe County raises about $2.6 million.

Northern Nevada gaming and tourism leaders have said the increase is critical to fund a $105 million upgrade and expansion of the convention if Reno hopes to compete with other cities in attracting convention business.

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