Lodging Tax

Dear Cook County Residents,

As a business owner of Bear Track Outfitting Co., Bally Creek Cabins, and Fishin’Chics Charter Service, for the past 50 years, I would state that the 3% lodging tax and the 1% Visit Cook County tax has run its course. In reading the article in the North Shore Journal dated April, 2022 written by Steve Fernlund, it states the lodging tax collected $1.83 million in 2021 and the Visit Cook County over three years was $1.54 million.

The County auditor’s website states that 25% is used for funding the Cook County Visitors Bureau. I believe there should be an accurate accounting of this 25% which is $457,500. and should become public information.

In the early 1980’s, I was president of the Tip of the Arrowhead Association which promoted tourism in Cook County. At that time we had a board of directors (consisting of volunteer tourism businesses) and one hired employee, Bud Kratoska of Trout Lake Lodge. I don’t know how many people are employed at the current Visitors Center, but It seems a little large for a county of 5200 people. I am wondering what all these people actually do at the Visitor’s Center. We have fewer restaurants for tourists, A Fisherman’s Picnic that is on life support, No more John Beargrease Sled Dog Race coming into town, very few services for winter snowmobilers, no more dragon boat races, no canoe or kayak races and very little interaction with resorts, outfitters, and motels who collect this lodging tax. The Visitor Center publicizes the Music Community who do not contribute to the lodging tax nor do the bars and restaurants who reap the benefits of this promotion.

Recently, a group of citizens went to St. Paul to lobby for a 30 year continuation of the 4% lodging tax. With the exception of Linda Jurek, Director of Visit Cook County, and a few others, most of the attendees have nothing to do with tourism. I believe it is time to end the 4% lodging tax, and perhaps only have a 1% lodging tax which should be plenty to cover the expenses at the Visit Cook County Center. It is time to stop gouging the tourists who frequent our beautiful county. The bars and restaurants could also pay a 1% sales Tax to o.set any shortfalls to Visit Cook County. I feel that the lodging establishments are not getting a fair and just use of this money.

It seems as if the lodging tax is being collected for use by the County Chamber of Commerce after combining with the Visitors Bureau. This is NOT legal as stated in the original legislation. Where is the other $1,372,500. Dollars being spent? I believe we need some truthful answers for the residents and businesses of Cook County.

I am just curious who paid for the food and lodging for the whole group that went to St. Paul . There are many questions coming from concerned citizens regarding our tourism economy which is about to implode because of lack of employees, lack of services, and a lesser tax base with the increase of non-profit businesses buying up commercial property, and the lack of zoning restrictions in the village of Grand Marais have caused a lack of housing for people who want to LIVE and WORK here.

Respectfully,

David Williams,
Owner/operator Bear Track
Outfitting Co. since 1972