LUSK - The Niobrara County Chamber of Commerce is seeking community support for a tax that helps generate tourism in the town of Lusk.

The tax, known as the Lusk Lodging Tax, will be appearing on the May ballot.

According to Niobrara Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Bredthauer, the tax has been collected for several years now by local hotels and campgrounds. The majority of the tax is paid by people from out of town who are traveling through the area.

For this reason, it has been promoted among voters as “the tax you don’t pay.” Bredthauer says 75% of that tax is used in promotional efforts meant to attract tourists to Lusk.

The tax is received monthly and finds its way to the city clerk. The clerk then writes a check for the amount received and gives it the Lusk Lodging Tax Board. The collection and allocation processes are dictated to the Niobrara County Chamber of Commerce by a manual at the chamber office. The tax is not subjected to state audits.

A financial review is conducted annually to ensure that the money collected is being allocated and used properly.

The money has been used to buy ads in travel magazines and on the radio. It has also been used to create postcards and other paraphernalia that draws attention to the Town of Lusk.

According to Bredthauer, the members of the local hospitality industry have been very supportive of the tax because it helps them to compete with campgrounds and hotels in surrounding areas. Lusk possesses boasts several different accommodation options, including BJ’s Campground, Prairieview Campground, the Covered Wagon Motel, Best Western Pioneer, and Rawhide Motel. The tax helps draw business to these and several other establishments in Lusk.

Recipients of funding assistance provided through the Lusk Lodging Tax do not have to be members of the Niobrara County Chamber of Commerce. Any group, business, or organization engaging in special projects that aim to encourage tourism in the local area can apply for assistance.