Legislation would allow communities to impose a tax on short

Legislation has been introduced in Lansing that would allow communities to impose a tax on short-term rentals.

State Representative Mark Tisdel of Rochester Hills tells us he spends a lot of time in Port Huron and knows out of town visitors can be a boon for businesses, but they do cost cities when it comes to the use of infrastructure.

“ The tourist dollars that they bring in are great, but as you know, tourists don’t treat your town and your neighborhood the same way you do,” Tisdel said. “ So there are actual costs there.”

Tisdel’s plan would allow a community to apply a voter-approved 3% tax on short-term accommodations like hotels, motels, and homestays like AirBNBs to help fund essential services. He says the STR in