State Park tax/fee for out of state users?

negoc8 · 08-08-2007, 12:58 PM

What do you think? After spending a few nights at Cape Look Out State Park, and seeing all of the out of state campers, I thought a $1 or $2 per night fee/tax, similar to what is paid while visiting other states, would be a sure fire money maker. Could help pay for any number of things.

Would you support it?

Thumper · 08-08-2007, 01:55 PM

No problem from this out-of-stater.

B-RUN STEELIE · 08-08-2007, 01:55 PM

???? in Idaho you just pay the rate no matter where you are from.. I also can think of no other state that charges out of staters more than residents for a camping spot in a state park, and I've camped in alot of states.

negoc8 · 08-08-2007, 02:34 PM

May not be found in State parks (yet), but when visiting a number of resort destinations we get hit with a tourist tax. I think Oregon has a great State Parks system that attracts a ton of out of state visitors, I think very few would change their plan over a few more $$ per night.

B-RUN STEELIE · 08-08-2007, 02:49 PM

Still not following you . A "Resort" is not owned or operated by the state.. in any state. It a privet enterprize. They can't charge you a " tourist tax" because they are not the goverment in any form, and can't levy taxes. I need an example of this tax you are talking about. If this were true, they could never enforce it because how do they know where your from.
Agreed that out of staters should pay a higher price for Hunting / fishing no problem.

negoc8 · 08-08-2007, 03:20 PM

I love this place man

Like I said, I have not seen it at any state park (yet), but when we travel to Hawaii & Florida there is most definitely a "hotel" or "tourist" tax/charge, listed on the bill when you check out, I do not think the locals get to pay, I think?

Any travel agents out there?

northriver1 · 08-08-2007, 04:41 PM

Me, I would think if you use the parks you pay a fee to maintain it regardless of where you are from. I do like clean johns and fresh paper for this older back side. Parks should be no different than public boat launchs. We all pay the same price.

I would think if you are in downtown Joseph the locals would think we are all tourists regardless of what state we are from.

If more money is needed for our state parks than I have no problem with a user fee. What a bargin are parks are. But than again where is all the money going the state receives that they can not maintain what they build.

crabbait · 08-08-2007, 05:18 PM

Sales tax. . .just like everybody else.

Bobberman · 08-08-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crabbait

Sales tax. . .just like everybody else.

sales tax... what is that

jvp · 08-09-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by negoc8

May not be found in State parks (yet), but when visiting a number of resort destinations we get hit with a tourist tax. I think Oregon has a great State Parks system that attracts a ton of out of state visitors, I think very few would change their plan over a few more $$ per night.

you can live right down the street from the resort and you would still pay the tourism tax for staying there. i think an over all increase and use the money for the park upgrades most of them could use some fixing up. i am sure you would lose many out of staters from a couple of dollar increase but i am sure some feelings will be slighted.

anglingaddict · 08-09-2007, 08:28 AM

I think this was eluded to previously, but I don't think there would be a problem with a user fee as long as the money went where it was intended to go. It seems anymore that our elected officials do anything and everything they can to get as much money as possible lumped into the "general fund" category so they can do with it as they please. I apologize for not having specifics but I know that it has come up enough on here that everyone should know what I am talking about. :smile:

P.S. - No, my intent is NOT to steer this toward partisan politics!

Slayer · 08-09-2007, 09:11 AM

being an out of stater I think that it's a bad idea. "I would think if you are in downtown Joseph the locals would think we are all tourists regardless of what state we are from." Taxes and fines should be impossed on those who don't take care of their enviorment, not those who charrish and respect our great land.

Splash · 08-09-2007, 09:50 AM

Seems to me increasing the user fee for out of staters is counter productive to bringing tourist dollars into the state.

garyk · 08-09-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-RUN STEELIE

. A "Resort" is not owned or operated by the state.. in any state. It a privet enterprize. They can't charge you a " tourist tax" because they are not the goverment in any form, and can't levy taxes. I need an example of this tax you are talking about.

The lodging facilities collect taxes on behalf of the State of Oregon.

Oregon has a 1% state lodging tax. I believe nearly every state does.

Additionally, counties levy their own lodging taxes. Clackamas's lodging tax is 6%, Tillamook's is 9%, Newport is 9.5%. Some cities may also add a tax, creating a 3-tier tax structure = State + County + Local.

I believe these lodging taxes were primarily designed to ensure that visitors help pay into the services they use. However, everybody does pay the same rate regardless of the license plate on your car.

While it's tempting to "soak the tourist", visitors overall spend a lot, and I'd rather not nickle & dime folks with fees based on where they (you) live.

JustCallMeDave · 08-09-2007, 10:02 AM

How are you checking if they are out of towners? License plates only catch those who don't have rental cars from Oregon. Are you hiring staff to check plates?

Replace the income tax with a sales tax and you'll be able to capitalize on the tourists visiting Oregon, instead of only getting money from those who live and work in Oregon.

B-RUN STEELIE · 08-09-2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyk

The lodging facilities collect taxes on behalf of the State of Oregon.

Oregon has a 1% state lodging tax. I believe nearly every state does.

Additionally, counties levy their own lodging taxes. Clackamas's lodging tax is 6%, Tillamook's is 9%, Newport is 9.5%. Some cities may also add a tax, creating a 3-tier tax structure = State + County + Local.

.

Sure.. and you pay it no matter where your from. Its not just for out of staters. You pay it as well.

Funny, Canada gives you the tax money back for hotels, meals when you leave the country. Thats because the know you dumped a bunch of cash there, and are not using any of their services.

wsuweston · 08-09-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobberman

sales tax... what is that

Enjoy your income tax

drhall99 · 08-09-2007, 12:14 PM

It's always a good idea to raise the fees and taxes. I'm sure the state will put the money to better use than the people who paid them could.

Big TULE · 08-09-2007, 06:43 PM

Not using the taxes you currently bring in wisely... Heck just create a new one...

Fish_N_Russ · 08-09-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splash

Seems to me increasing the user fee for out of staters is counter productive to bringing tourist dollars into the state.

yes you are right, state parks have spent a lot of $ on programs to try and improve Oregons tourism image. I dont think a out of state tax would help matters much. Besides, OPRD has plenty of money from the lottery in combination with user fees.

sinker · 08-10-2007, 01:31 AM

I wish our state would go back to it's day use fee at State Parks.

It was only $5 and thats pretty cheap entertainment for a family for a few hours. Kept most of the crowds away, usually had a nice quiet visit. As soon as they lifted the fee the parks filled right back up with people.