Hays city commissioners voted unanimously Thursday night to approve a charter ordinance which will increase the Transient Guest Tax (TGT) rate 2% to fund improvements to the north Vine Street traffic corridor, estimated at more than $7.6 million. “City staff suggested a significant part of the project could be funded with Transient Guest Tax dollars, due to the fact the improvements would make it better for visitors, pedestrians, people that are staying in the area, and not just for people that live here,” explained Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty.
The Hays 5% TGT is lower than most of its peer cities in Kansas. Johnson County’s rate is 9%.
The charter ordinance can be challenged within a 61-day period by a petition of more than 10% of voters who voted in the last city election. If a valid petition is presented, the ordinance will be put to a vote of Hays residents.
(Read more: Hays Post)