Rise in Income from Lodging Taxes According to JCTA Report
Johnson County's lodging tax revenues have seen a positive trend following the recent increase that took effect in April 2025. The Johnson County Travel Association (JCTA) provided this update in August 2025.
According to Toby Carrig, Marketing Director for the JCTA, preliminary data for lodging tax revenues collected by the state for this summer shows a decline of nearly 4% in April. However, this decline was roughly the same as in May 2025 compared to the same months last year. Despite this initial dip, the overall trend indicates an increase of nearly 12% this year compared to 2024.
The lodging tax increase was approved by Johnson County voters last November. The June data, which is considered a good indicator of where summer tax collections may be, is yet to be released. However, Carrig stated that the numbers for June will be released in the coming days.
The Buffalo City Council recently received an update on the Lodging Tax revenues for the past 12 months. The JCTA's report suggests that the county's lodging tax revenues are projected to perform strongly in 2025, though the full-year impact will depend on continued tourism activity and broader economic conditions.
The positive initial trends in Johnson County echo similar patterns in other locations where successful events and marketing contribute to tourism-related tax growth. For instance, Forks in Washington State has seen record lodging tax revenues due to strong event-driven tourism.
While precise numerical projections are not available at this time, the JCTA's acknowledgment of increased tax intake shortly after implementation provides a solid basis for optimistic revenue trends following the tax increase. The full impact of the lodging tax increase on Johnson County's economy will become clearer as more data is released in the coming months.
- The Buffalo City Council has received an update on the Lodging Tax revenues for the past 12 months, with the JCTA's report suggesting a projection of strong performances for the county's lodging tax revenues in 2025, contributing to the broader city council discussions on financial matters and the overall well-being of local businesses.
- The JCTA's report on the Lodging Tax revenues also highlights a potential growth in tax intake, as seen in other locations with successful events and marketing, suggesting a positive impact of tourism on the county's finance and business sectors.
