Deal hit with Airbnb on tax remittance
An agreement has been reached with the city's Advertising and Promotion Commission for Airbnb to remit taxes for the rental of private residences to visitors staying in the city.
Airbnb Inc. of Delaware, a major online broker for short-term home rentals to vacationers, has voluntarily agreed to facilitate the reporting, collection and remittance of applicable "transient occupancy taxes" payable to the Advertising and Promotion Commission, according to the collection agreement entered into by both parties in June.
The City Council approved legislation two years ago to make short-term vacation rentals of residential homes and apartments in the city subject to the lodging tax and to require a city business permit, but at a vastly reduced rate.
Bob Major, chief executive officer for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, which the commission oversees, told commissioners at their quarterly meeting last week that short-term home rentals and the collection of accompanying taxes have been "an issue all over the country."
Several cities, including New York, San Francisco, San Diego and New Orleans, have placed new regulations and restrictions on short-term home rental services.
"Whether they say they are or not, they are acting like a hotel," Major said of the services.
There are about 12 known Airbnb properties in the city, Major said. Airbnb agreed to collect and remit the taxes on behalf of its hosts on all taxable booking transactions and is to notify hosts of the tax responsibility and guests of the taxes to be collected, the agreement said.
Changing of guard on boards gears up
Mayor Joe Smith's move toward finding willing residents in their 30s and 40s to join city commissions is starting to take shape with a vote on his recommended appointees this week.
Smith asked City Council members in June to begin submitting names of potential appointees to replace older commission members as terms expire or members leave. As the new president of the Arkansas Municipal League, Smith also challenged cities across the state to do the same.
Smith said the change is needed for "encouraging our younger people to get involved" in local government, because he believes they will bring fresh ideas and "a different outlook" than older appointees.
At Monday's meeting, the City Council will be asked to approve Julie Fisher, 39, a city employee, to the Non-Uniform Retirement Board and Erin Parker, 38, to the Rock Region Metro board of directors.
Karen Rollins, a city employee who will be 53 this week, is also up for appointment to the Non-Uniform Retirement Board.
Melody Williford, 57, a member of the Advertising and Promotion Commission, was recommended by the commission last week for reappointment. The City Council will consider that appointment at a later meeting.
Metro on 07/22/2018