Carlsbad Voting Today on Hotel Tax, Recreation

Carlsbad voters will decide today on whether to increase the city’s hotel room tax from 8% to 10% to provide funds to build major recreational facilities, including two public golf courses.

Carlsbad’s 36,000 registered voters face two propositions in the special election: Proposition F seeks to raise the transient occupancy tax rate by 2%, with the revenue earmarked for the General Fund; Proposition G, an advisory measure, asks voters to approve the spending of more than $1 million in city funds to build recreational facilities.

If approved, the two propositions--endorsed unanimously by Carlsbad’s five council members--will enable the city to pursue its long-sought goal of constructing two golf courses, a multicourt tennis complex, two multipurpose recreational fields and an enclosed soccer facility. The facilities are expected to cost from $6 million to $8 million.

Room Tax Raised Last Year

Opponents of the ballot measures, including the city’s hotel and motel association, say the tax rise would inflate room rates and send tourists elsewhere. The room tax was already raised last year, from 6% to 8%.

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce also opposes Proposition F, but backs Proposition G.

“The main thing is we feel Proposition F is unfairly hitting one industry for recreational facilities that will benefit everyone in the community,” said Lee Bohlmann, chamber executive vice president.

But, advocates say, the recreational facilities would make Carlsbad more attractive and help boost tourism.

Councilman John Mamaux said the recreational facilities would pay back residents who often bear the burdens of tourism--crowds and traffic. The transient occupancy tax rate had stood at 6% for 23 years, from 1965 until 1988, he added.

Although city leaders’ attempts to raise the hotel tax to pay for recreation have failed twice before, council members hope the third try will be a charm.

In previous elections--most recently last November--ballot measures asked that tax-rise revenue be earmarked for recreational facilities. Such a provision requires two-thirds voter support. In each prior case, the tax rise failed to get the needed votes, but did receive majority support, proponents said.

Hoping to avoid a similar defeat this time, city leaders drafted propositions that only need majority support for approval.