FARMINGTON -- Starting Jan. 1, renting a car in Davis County will cost 4 percent more unless you are having your own car repaired or the rental exceeds 30 days.
Translation: Let the tourists pay.The increase in the motor vehicle rental tax from 3 percent to 7 percent was unanimously approved on Monday by the Davis County Commission. The Utah Legislature recently made the 4 percent increase possible at the request of Salt Lake County, said Commission Chairman Dannie R. McConkle.
"Since this is an income-producing tax and residents will be paying very little of it, it's a very promising tax," said Commissioner Gayle A. Stevenson, who estimated the increase in the tourism tax would generate $300,000 to $400,000 yearly.
Stevenson said the new revenue will help the county recoup the cost of the Layton Conference Center.
The ordinance approved on Wednesday also continued a previously approved 1 percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.