Hotel tax passes in Marshall, fails in Sweet Springs

A 5 percent hotel/motel tax, which was on the ballots in Sweet Springs and in Marshall, met a different fate in each town.

In Marshall, where the tax has been supported by Mayor Connie Latimer, the matter was passed by roughly a 4-to-3 margin.

In Sweet Springs, where Mayor Roxanne Hinton adamantly opposed the tax, it failed. Unofficial returns Wednesday showed in Sweet Springs the measure received about seven votes against it to every three for it.

The 5 percent tax will be charged to guests of hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in Marshall, leaving most local residents unaffected.

Proceeds from the tax are earmarked for promotion of tourism. Individual Marshall organizations will be able to apply for these funds to tout local events and locations.