UPDATED: Dewey Beach Commissioners Open the Discussion on an Accommodations Tax Increase

UPDATED – 2pm –  Dewey Beach Commissioners have begun a discussion on the possible increase of the town’s accommodations tax.  They are looking for additional revenue that will include protection for the town’s bayside beaches from sea level rise related exclusively to repair, maintenance and administrative expenses.  Town officials say not everyone in town who rents is paying the accommodation tax – and that if those who don’t come forward and get a business license – the tax increase may not be needed.  Commissioners agree that something is needed, but Gary Persinger doesn’t feel the need is immediate for a hike in the accommodations tax.  Mayor TJ Redefer wants the discussion out there and wants to hear not only from town officials but residents as well on the proposed accommodations tax increase or other options that may be available.

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The Dewey Beach Commissioners will meet this morning.  On their agenda – a discussion to increase the town’s accommodations tax and a plan to allocate a percentage of the tax to protect the town’s bayside beaches from sea level rise related exclusively to repair, maintenance and administrative expenses.  If the town opts for the increase in the accommodations tax, a referendum vote would be included on the September general election ballot to consider an amendment to the town Charter relating to the accommodations tax.  The Commissioners meeting begins at 10am.