Measure K

San Bernardino Transient Occupancy Tax

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Would increase the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County ("County") from seven percent (7%) to eleven percent (11%) and make administrative revisions to the language of San Bernardino County Code section 14.0203 which imposes the TOT. The TOT is charged to guests who stay 30 days or less at hotels, inns, tourist homes or houses including short term rentals, motels, studio hotels, bachelor hotels, lodging houses, rooming houses, apartment houses, dormitories, public or private clubs, mobile homes or house trailers at a fixed location, or other similar structures or portions of a similar structure. Measure K requires 50% + 1 of yes votes to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure K would generate approximately $9,400,000 in additional revenue annually for general government use, and would likely not increase administrative costs.

Next San Bernardino County Measure: Measure L

See Endorsements for Measure K

Details

Pro/Con
Pro: 

Supporters argue that San Bernardino County is at a crucial juncture. By passing Measure K, we can generate an additional $9.4 million annually from tourism, which will be invested directly into our communities to enhance our quality of life.

Why Should You Support Measure K?

  • Ensuring Fair Contributions from Visitors: Tourists and short-term renters utilize our public services and infrastructure without directJy contributing to their upkeep. By increasing the TOT, Measure K ensures that those who benefit from our county's attractions also help cover the costs associated with their stay.

  • Keeping Pace with Inflation: The TOT rate has not been raised since 2002 - a time when gas cost less than $2 dollars a gallon. As the cost of living rises, our current rate lags behind neighboring counties, where the average TOT is already 11%.

  • Strengthening Community Services and Infrastructure:This modest revenue increase will be allocated to vital projects, including road repairs, park maintenance, and improvements in public safety.

A YES vote on this measure will increase the TOT to 11% and if current occupancy rates remain steady will provide approximately an additional $9,400,000 annually for general government use.

Con: 

No official argument against Measure K was submitted.

A NO vote on this measure will keep in effect the TOT rate of 7% and will not make administrative changes to San Bernardino County Code section 14.0203.

In Depth

Would increase the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County ("County") from seven percent (7%) to eleven percent (11%) and make administrative revisions to the language of San Bernardino County Code section 14.0203 which imposes the TOT. The TOT is charged to guests who stay 30 days or less at hotels, inns, tourist homes or houses including short term rentals, motels, studio hotels, bachelor hotels, lodging houses, rooming houses, apartment houses, dormitories, public or private clubs, mobile homes or house trailers at a fixed location, or other similar structures or portions of a similar structure. Operators of these properties collect the TOT when guests pay for their accommodations and submit quarterly payments to the County.

The Measure will also make administrative changes to San Bernardino County Code section 14.0203. The first change is to confirm the definition of "Hotel" includes short term rentals. The second change is to clarify that when a person files for an "Assignment to the Benefit of Creditors" (an alternative to bankruptcy) that a County lien for unpaid TOT will take priority over other debts. The Measure would also make other minor language changes to the ordinance.

The TOT is a general tax and therefore any additional revenue generated by the increased TOT would be deposited in the County's general fund and may be used for any general governmental purpose. If current occupancy rates remain steady and Measure K is passed, it would generate approximately $9,400,000 in additional revenue annually for general government use. Use of the revenue from the TOT will be audited by the County's external independent auditor annually, and all funds will be locally controlled.

Source: Measure K Impartial Analysis

Voter Resources

San Bernardino County Elections

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