What do the Ketchum Grill, Sturtevants, Galena Lodge, Tamarack Lodge and The Toy Store have in common?
They all support the 1% Local Option Tax For Air. VOTE in Favor on May 16, 2017.
The 1% LOT for Air funds are dedicated to improving air service and marketing new and existing flights to Friedman Airport.
- The 1% LOT for Air added 3 new nonstop flights to SUN: Denver, Portland and San Francisco
- Passenger surveys show convenience is a key factor for visitors—over the past 3 years more than 40,000 new visitors have flown to SUN
- Over 50% of all airlines seats to Friedman are supported by the 1% LOT for Air
- The 1% LOT for Air contributes two-thirds of the funds used to market our area
A vote In Favor for the 1% LOT for Air ensures our community continues to benefit from the economic boost that better air service and marketing brings.
The 1% LOT for AIR costs only $.50 on a $50 purchase.
Items included in the LOT: lodging, restaurant meals, retail sales and liquor-by-the-drink.
It does not apply to groceries or gas.
OVER 80% OF THE 1% FOR AIR LOT IS PAID BY VISITORS
There is a LOT to love about the 1% LOT for Air.
Frequently Asked Questions
about the 1% LOT for Air
Q: Why do we need to renew the 1% increase to the local option tax (LOT) for air service?
A: Tourism is the backbone of our local economy. Between 2006 and 2011, our economy grew even more heavily reliant on tourism. Increased air service brings more visitors, which is an economic boost to the valley. Those visitors eat at restaurants, shop in our retail stores, recreate, attend events and stay in local lodging. With increased air service, new businesses have been able to locate here and existing businesses are able to stay and grow. Local businesses thrive, securing local jobs. The entire community benefits!
Q: How much revenue is generated through the 1% LOT for AIR?
A: In fiscal year 2016, the 1% LOT for AIR generated $1.84 million in Ketchum and $572,000 in Sun Valley. Hailey raised $85,000. These funds are completely dedicated to improving air service and marketing new and existing flights to Friedman Airport.
Q: How is the 1% LOT for Air revenue spent?
A: Proceeds from the 1% LOT for AIR are used as follows:
- 50% to contract for service with airlines that would otherwise not fly here because of the size and remoteness of our community*. The 1% LOT for AIR supports two of our three airlines (Alaska, United) and five of our six nonstop flight routes (DEN, LAX, PDX, SEA, SFO).
Over 50% of all airlines seats to Friedman are supported by the 1% LOT for AIR.
- 50% to promote Sun Valley and the flights in our key air service cities. The 1% LOT for AIR contributes two-thirds of the funds used to market our area.
In the past three years, proceeds from the 1% LOT for AIR have secured three new flights – from Denver, San Francisco and Portland.
Q. What happens if we don’t renew the 1% LOT for AIR?
A: Many other western resort communities have programs like the 1% LOT for AIR. Without the 1% LOT for AIR, we cannot compete with other resort communities, such as Telluride/Montrose and Steamboat, which even now have more nonstop flights than we do. We will lose the Denver, Portland and San Francisco and possibly the Los Angeles and Seattle nonstop flights, as well as the boost to tourism we have enjoyed over the last three years. To be competitive, we must maintain a long-term commitment to improving and marketing air service.
Q: When is the 1% LOT for Air up for renewal?
A: The cities of Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey have all placed this measure on the ballot for the May 16, 2017 election. The cities have no other tax measures on the ballot this May. A May vote provides the best opportunity to secure continued funding without interruption to air service or marketing.
What items are included in the 1% LOT for Air?
A: The 1% additional sales tax is payable on all items that are currently subject to the existing LOT in Ketchum and Sun Valley, which include lodging, restaurant meals, retail purchases, recreation/lift tickets, and liquor-by-the drink. IT DOES NOT APPLY TO GROCERIES AND GAS.
For more information, please consult Title 3.12 (see 3.12.030) of Ketchum’s municipal code at www.ketchumidaho.org
Q: How is the revenue managed?
A: Proceeds from the 1% LOT for AIR are managed through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), signed by the cities that collect a 1% LOT for AIR, plus Blaine County. The JPA creates the Sun Valley Air Service Board, which directs the use of the dedicated revenue. The Sun Valley Air Service Board is currently made up of the Mayors of each city that passes the 1% LOT for AIR, and a Blaine County Commissioner.
Q: Who does the work to attract and retain air service to Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) and who works to promote the flights?
A: The Sun Valley Air Service Board contracts for these services. To date, the board has contracted with Fly Sun Valley Alliance for air service development (attracting and retaining air service) and Sun Valley Marketing Alliance to promote the flights in key markets. These non-profit organizations must report to the board and the public regarding annual performance and expenditures of tax funds received.
[1] Source: Sustain Blaine Community Economic Forum, Blaine County’s Economy in 2011, p. 8. Feb 2012.
There is a LOT to love about the 1% LOT for Air. Vote In Favor May 16!To learn more about air service in the Wood River Valley: Friedman Memorial Airport at www.iflysun.com, and Fly Sun Valley Alliance at www.flysunvalleyalliance.com are resources for information on air service trends and our local economy.
*BACKGROUND ON AIRLINE CONTRACTS: Most airlines now require a contract to provide nonstop service to smaller seasonal markets like SUN. These contracts typically include a financial risk-mitigation component, usually in the form of a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) to ensure the airline does not have significant loss on the route. Additional airline seats into Sun Valley are a critical part of a comprehensive effort to stimulate the local economy and generate more tourism, more business and more jobs.
Head to the polls Election Day May 16!
Polling places open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day:
Ketchum - Hemingway Elementary
Sun Valley - Sun Valley City
Or, save yourself a trip and request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. It’s easy and convenient! Call the county at (208) 788-5510 to have them send you an absentee ballot request form by mail or fax.
Print an absentee ballot request form. Fill it out, sign it and return it to the county elections office by email, mail or fax (or you can drop it off).
Email your completed absentee ballot request form to: election@blainecounty.org
Or fax your form to: (208) 788-5501
Or mail your form to:
Blaine County Elections Office
206 1st Ave South, Suite 200
Hailey, Idaho 83333
The last day to submit your request is May 5 by 5 pm. The county will send you an official ballot so you can vote by mail.
You can also Early Vote at the county courthouse by walking in and voting in person from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, beginning April 24. The last day to walk-in Early Vote is the May 12, the Friday before the election.
Need more information? Check out the Blaine County Election Department's webpage or call them at: (208) 788-5510
THIS BLOG POST IS A RE-POST OF INFORMATION FROM THE www.TourismAndJobs.com website.
