Lebanon voters deciding on potential lodging tax increase

LEBANON, Mo. — Voters in Lebanon, Missouri will choose whether to double the current the lodging tax rate, bringing up to a total of tax 5%.

The potential lodging tax increase will not impact locals directly. Only overnight guests will be taxed.

"We are going to hopefully target World Cup visitors in Kansas City next June, so that is a large international audience for us," said Lebanon's tourism director, Rebecca Rupurt.

Rupurt said the 2.5% tax increase will go towards advertising and marketing the city for large upcoming events in 2026, such as the Route 66 Centennial and the World Cup in Kansas City next June.

"We have the Route 66 Centennial, there will be all sorts of events all across the country from Chicago to Santa Monica along Route 66, and we want to be sure that we can utilize all the funds possible that we have to target Route 66 travelers," said Rupurt.

If passed, the money would be charged on lodging only for hotels, motels and overnight rentals of any sorts.

Jodie Ritchel is the owner of Taylor's Dairy Joy on Route 66 in Lebanon, Missouri. She told Ozarks First off-camera locals love her restaurant, but tourists only visit once, if that. She said she is hesitant that the tax will boost the local economy, since she said Lebanon is not a destination for most people.

On the other hand, Rupert says the tax will have a positive trickle-down effect.

"It affects our whole economy because obviously with more visitors coming to our area, then they certainly contrary, and they spend money which affects us all in some manner," said Rupert.