Ingham voters raise hotel tax, reject Lansing Shuffle property sale

Ingham County voters approved raising the tax on short-term hotel stays from 5% to 8% in Tuesday's primary election. County leaders say the increase will generate about $2 million in its first year for tourism promotion, including upgrades at facilities such as the fairgrounds and the Lansing Center. The tax is paid by hotel guests, not homeowners; a similar proposal failed two years ago.

Lansing voters rejected a proposal to let the city sell part of the Lansing Shuffle property, with 53% opposed and 47% in favor. The company that currently operates the Lansing Shuffle had offered about $953,000 for the building. Opponents said the property was undervalued, while supporters argued a sale could bring additional investment to the site.

Lansing Shuffle partner Jonathan Hartzell said before the vote that approval would have opened negotiations with the city. Following the rejection, he said the Shuffle's partners now need to determine how to fund six more years of operations.

Voters also renewed funding for the Capital Area District Libraries. The four-year measure continues an existing tax generating $15 million per year to support the system's 13 branches, staff and services.

Read the full story at WILX.