Put-in-Bay voters will decide on a proposed increase to the island’s resort tax during the May 5 election, with measures appearing on both the Village and Township ballots.
If approved, the tax would increase from 1.5% to 2%, adding an additional 0.5%.
What Is a Resort Tax?
A resort tax is a local tax applied to most purchases made on the island, including things like food, drinks, retail items, and certain services.
It is paid at the point of sale, similar to sales tax, and is typically included in the total cost of a purchase.
Because it applies to spending rather than income or property, the tax is paid by both visitors and residents — though a large portion is generated during the tourism season.
What Was Presented
During an informational meeting on April 21 at the Town Hall, a group outlining the proposal — including Township Trustee Chris Cooper, former Township Trustee Matt Miller, former Village Council member Jake Market, and Peter Huston — walked through how the increase would work and why it is being considered.
Based on last year’s numbers, the increase is projected to generate approximately:
- $286,000 for the Village
- $120,000–$150,000 for the Township
Those figures would fluctuate depending on the strength of the tourism season.
Primary Focus: Police, EMS, and Fire
The discussion centered heavily on public safety funding, with speakers repeatedly pointing to rising costs for:
- Police staffing
- Emergency medical services (EMS)
- Fire response
They emphasized that Put-in-Bay’s service demands are driven by summer tourism, when the population increases significantly, putting pressure on staffing, infrastructure, and response capabilities.
Why a Resort Tax Increase
Speakers framed the proposal as a way to generate revenue without increasing the burden on year-round residents.
Rather than relying on:
- property tax increases
- additional levies
- or income tax
the resort tax allows the village and township to collect revenue from visitor spending.
The idea discussed throughout the meeting was that those using the island’s services during peak season contribute directly to funding them.
How Much It Actually Adds
The increase was described as minimal at the individual level:
- A $10.00 drink increases by about 5 cents
- A $100 purchase increases by 50 cents
Speakers emphasized that while the increase is small per transaction, the volume of seasonal visitors allows it to generate meaningful revenue.
No Increase in Over 20 Years
The resort tax has not been increased since the early 2000s.
Speakers noted that rising costs over time — especially in public safety — have reduced the effectiveness of the current rate.
Public Discussion Was Limited
The meeting included minimal public pushback, with only brief concerns raised about rising costs for customers and businesses.
Most of the discussion focused on how the tax works and how the funds would be used.
Another Meeting Scheduled
A second informational meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM at the Town Hall.
Additional Information
A Facebook page has been created to share details and updates about the proposal: SMART – Solving Myths About Resort Tax
What Happens Next
Voters will decide on the proposed increase on May 5, with separate measures appearing on both the Village and Township ballots.