Ukiah voters lean against hiking occupancy tax, while similar Fort Bragg measure passes

A ballot measure that would increase the tax rate for customers booking temporary lodging such as hotels, motels and vacation rentals in Ukiah appears to be rejected by voters, according to unofficial election results released by the Mendocino County registrar late Tuesday.

Measure W , which needs a simple majority to pass, had received 45.4% votes in support and 54.5% opposed. The measure aims to increase the city's transient occupancy tax from 10% to 13%.

The tax rate applies to those staying in Ukiah for under 30 days. Fort Bragg is the only other city in Mendocino County with a transient occupancy tax measure on the ballot. In contrast to Ukiah's measure, Fort Bragg's Measure U was passing with a hefty 79.7% in favor with nearly 30% of votes counted.

Ukiah's transit occupancy tax has not increased since 2007, according to a staff report prepared by Deputy City Manager Shannon Riley. According to the report, "inflation and the cost of doing business in general has increased significantly, and the revenue generation has not kept pace with those changes."

There would be an estimated revenue of $420,000 annually. The funds would be channeled to crucial city functions like recreation programs, local parks and public safety.