If the measure passes, the city's hotel tax would increase from 10 percent to 14 percent
Imperial Beach could have the highest hotel and short-term rental tax in San Diego County by January. City voters must first decide in November whether they want to increase the lodging tax rate.
The city has 196 hotel rooms spread among two large hotels — the Hampton Inn and Pier South Hotel — and the smaller Sandcastle Inn. There are also 101 active short-term rentals. Several residents support the proposed tax hike because it would be paid by visitors, according to a February survey conducted by the city. Of the 300 survey respondents, more than 70 percent said they supported the tax increase because it would help offset the recent loss in tourism revenue related to the pandemic.