Two Kent County transformational projects are receiving private financial support. What’s needed now are public dollars. One way to generate that public financing is by approving tax dollars supporting bonds for the projects.
State Rep. John Fitzgerald, a Democrat from Wyoming, sponsored House Bill 5048 allowing cities and townships to collect a 2% lodging tax. It passed this week by a 66-44 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate. If approved there, the bill goes to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. Kent County residents would then vote on the 2% hotel/motel tax.
The money generated would help finance the $184 million, 12,000 seat Acrisure Amphitheater located on the east bank of the Grand River. And on the near-west side, a proposed 8,500 seat USL Championship League soccer stadium. Both facilities are scheduled to open in 2026.
East Grand Rapids Democrat Rep. Phil Skaggs has sponsored separate legislation (H.B. 4931) that would allow counties increase their hotel/motel excise tax to up to 10%.