Vote YES
The Tax You Don't Pay, Unless You Stay
Beautify Cherokee County Roads and Support Small BusinessesCherokee County is simply beautiful and we plan to keep it that way! Voting YES in the upcoming election will provide funding for county road beautification and marketing support for small businesses in Cherokee County.
Click the link below for a sample ballot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is a lodging tax being considered?
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To apply an integrated approach to market & increase tourism across Cherokee county that includes: Illinois River, Lake Tenkiller, other bodies of water as applicable, towns throughout Cherokee County, City of Tahlequah, and the Cherokee Nation.
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2. I already pay enough in taxes, why should I vote for another tax?
This is not a tax on the citizens of Cherokee County. This tax would only be charged to those that rent a hotel, cabin, or yurt in Cherokee County-tourists and visitors. However, this tax will directly benefit everyone in Cherokee County. The tax you don't pay, unless you stay.
3. How much is the tax and what will it be used for?
The tax will be 4% of gross rental receipts.
- 25% of the tax will be directed to Cherokee County for collection/enforcement of the tax and for roadside beautification and litter removal.
- 75% will be used for tourism marketing, advertising, and promotion of the lodging, other local businesses & attractions that Cherokee County has to offer to tourists.
4. Who will the tax apply to?
All facilities throughout Cherokee county providing at least one lodging room for sleeping accommodations. Includes but not limited to; hotels, motels, yurt, short-term overnight rentals, resorts, cabins, and bed & breakfast establishments.
5. Does this mean that hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging businesses will incur a higher tax burden?
No. The tax will fall to the business to collect, but the cost should be charged directly to the tourist. For example, if a hotel normally charges $100/night, the customer will be charged $104 for their stay. The hotel will then pay the $4 in lodging tax for the room.
6. What other counties have a county tourism tax and how much is their tax?
There are 12 counties that collect a countywide tourism/lodging tax. Counties of Osage, Blaine, Cimarron, Coal, Cotton, Greer, Jefferson, Johnston, Marshall, Muskogee, and Pontotoc collect 5%. McCurtain collects 3%. The state releases this information quarterly on the Oklahoma Tax Commission Website (https://www.ok.gov/tax/Businesses/Tax_Types/Business_Sales_Tax/Sales_Use_Lodging_Tax_Rate_Charts/).
7. What kind of roadside beautification initiatives will be implemented?
Plans are still being developed. Initial discussions include additional roll-off dumpsters at the lake and river venues. Developing educational programs to help build habits to stop littering and understanding the impact on the environment. An example program could be a student poster competition for engagement of why not to litter and how it pollutes. Or, establish roadside litter pick-up groups for targeted areas. Input from the community is welcome.
8. What kind of tourism marketing will be implemented?
A mix of digital initiatives that include; national & international digital campaigns, state & local TV/Radio spots, Social media campaigns that will be strategically focused on the demographic interests and behaviors of potential tourists.
9. What can I do to support this county question before the coming election?
- If you are registered to vote in Cherokee County, “Vote Yes” at the
- If you aren’t registered, you can still register to vote up to January 15th, 2021. Contact the Cherokee County Election Board at 918-456-2261.
- Tell your friends and share on social media. We have prepared some graphics and captions that you can share on your page, in groups you are a part of, and on pages of companies that you think would benefit from increased marketing and cleaner county roads.
- Link to Downloadable Resources on Tour Tahlequah www.tourtahlequah.com
- Tag @tourtahlequah, #cherokeecountytourism, and #votelocal.
10. How will decisions on marketing spend be decided?
How will decisions on marketing spend be decided?
- 3-year term; 7 representatives to include lodging operators, restaurateurs, NSU, Cherokee Nation tourism & museums, and at large city/county tourism experts.
- Cherokee County will contract with a Tourism Agent on an annual basis.
- The Tourism Agent will work with a council of 13 countywide tourism stakeholders.
- Council of tourism stakeholders shall include representatives from:
- 3-year term; 7 representatives to include lodging operators, restaurateurs, NSU, Cherokee Nation tourism & museums, and at large city/county tourism experts.
- The Tourism Agent will work with the Council of tourism stakeholders to develop an annual budget as well as recommend & execute promotion strategies.
- The Tourism Agent will present the budget to County Commissioners to approve budget, promotion & marketing plan approval.
- The Tourism Agent will submit invoices to the County on a monthly basis for payment.
- The Tourism Agent will update the County Commissioners a minimum of 4 times per year to present marketing results and discuss adjustments to the annual plan as needed.
What if I have more questions?
Tour Tahlequah is here to help! If you have any questions or concerns, we want to hear them!
Give us a call at (918) 456-3742 or send us an email at tourtahlequahok@gmail.com.
Give us a call at (918) 456-3742 or send us an email at tourtahlequahok@gmail.com.
Download Promotional Assets
Simply "Right-Click" any of the graphics below and select "Save-As" to download
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Vote Yes Poster
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Vote Yes Social Media Post
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Vote Yes Instagram/Facebook Story
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Vote Yes Logo
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