Hotel tax could force customers to look elsewhere if it passes

A local measure in the upcoming general election aims to bring money to Calexico. Despite its financial benefit, it could scare tourists from staying at the six hotels and motels in the area.

The proposed hotel tax, also known as Measure J, would increase the current hotel tax in Calexico from 10 to 12 percent.

Local hotel manager Maria Palomera said the increase could drive tourists to other nearby cities instead.

“The tax right now is really high. It’s like a $9 tax. And if it goes higher, yes it’s going to affect. They’re going to start going to El Centro because they compare a lot,” said Palomera.

The current rate has left a lot of customers unsatisfied.

“Not a lot of people are happy with that rate,” Palomera said

City officials said it’s looking for ways to bring money to the city.

Calexico City Council Member Bill Hodge said, “It’s not going to do a whole lot but it’s going to make a difference and right now, the city’s attitude is any means or ways that we can bring in revenue.”

The hotel tax would bring much-needed revenue to the city.

Calexico Economic Commissioner Ben Horton said, “[With] Transient occupancy tax (T.O.T.), we’re receiving around $100,000 plus to $150,000 plus. With the new T.O.T. tax, it should come up to $230,000 plus going to the general fund.”

But Horton thinks the money would be better spent on promoting the city instead.

“You want to give a message. You want to market the city so potential investors and other people that want to do business in this city can get an idea of what this city is about and what the city has to offer,” Horton added.