The City of Lemoore plans to increase their Transient Occupancy Tax or bed tax rate to 12% from 8% if approved by voters in November. City Manager, Marissa Trejo says the funds will benefit the city’s general fund and little of the impact will be felt by local residents. The TOT applies to hotels, motels, and other lodging. A review of surrounding cities within approximately a 50-mile radius shows that Lemoore’s current rate is generally lower than many neighboring jurisdictions. Porterville, Selma, Kingsburg and Fresno are at 12% and Visalia and Tulare are 10%.
Meanwhile, Hanford is also planning to raise their bed tax rate to 12% from 8% if voters in June approve a measure on the ballot. If eventually approved, the increase is estimated to generate an additional $375,000 annually for the city’s General Fund, supporting services like public safety, parks, and infrastructure.
Tulare Basin reservoirs storage above average
All Tulare Basin reservoirs are ahead of average storage for this time of year with Pine Flat at 126% of average, Terminus at 191%,Success at 152% and Isabella 132%. Kaweah Conservation District watermaster Vic Hernandez says the Corps of Engineers has ordered a flood release from Terminus in the past few days as storage is much higher at this time of year. The release ensures caution in case of an early snow melt. Hernandez adds that the Corps was worried about the warm storm coming into California in the past few days and the evacuation was a precaution. The storm stayed north.“We should be back to normal storage in about a week.”He adds that the rain outlook for the next two weeks is looking dim. The Corps ordered a similar flood release at Lake Success.