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Councilmember Tossey stated he is not in favor of an additional tax. <br />Councilmember Backous stated this is not a tax, it is a user fee that the hotel guests pay. He <br />stated he does not see this as a tax and is in favor of membership with the CVB. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he is not in favor of an additional tax. He asked if the hotel fills <br />up during the soccer season and the response was that it does not. He stated guests would have <br />to pay an additional 3% tax. He stated he does not support an additional tax. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Wise stated this is an opportunity to "level the playing field" and increase <br />business in Ramsay. He stated a large hotel chain could come to town and may not want to <br />participate in the program. <br />Councilmember Tossey gave an example of the Christmas tree tax that was proposed and how it <br />failed in the legislature. He commented the tax, once in place, will not go away. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated this is a user fee that is dedicated to a specific industry to bring and <br />grow business in the City. <br />Councilmember Backous stated the hotel has been in the City through "thick and thin." He gave <br />an example of a family staying at the hotel due to a fire at their home. <br />Scott Davie, Comfort Suites general manager, stated there is currently a family from Ramsey that <br />is staying at the hotel free of charge. <br />Councilmember McGlone gave an example of a church that needed a sprinkler system and the <br />landlord put in the sprinkler system because the church signed a new lease. He stated sometimes <br />the City needs to stay out of issues. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated the government is involved in too much. He restated this is a tax. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Wise stated it is not a tax for everyone; it is for the users only. He asked how <br />long CVB has been around. <br />Economic Development/Marketing Director Backman replied that CVBs have been around since <br />1983. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated more information can be made available for the City Council, if <br />desired. He stated the deadline is June 30, 2012. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Wise stated the CVB is a public relations option for the City. <br />Economic Development/Marketing Director Backman stated one check per month would be <br />written to the CVB from the hotel. <br />City Council Work Session / February 21, 2012 <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />