HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-17 Public Comment - L. Sampson - Short Term Rentals1
Clerk Temp
From:Lawrence Sampson <lwsampson@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 22, 2017 7:37 AM
To:Agenda
Subject:Short term rental
Categories:Public Comment
Good morning!
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this evening's public comment meeting regarding short term
rental. As someone who relies on short term rental income, I wanted to add my support in allowing
homes to be used for short term rental. I also have read the report that came out recently and reject
the three tier structure and fees.
My suggestion is to impose a small use tax, in lieu of the annual fee, similar to what the state does for
a bed tax. The flat fee would unfairly make all short term rentals the same. I rent my house about
once a month, so I live in my home for the remainder of the time, which is a substantial amount of
time.
The partial income I generate from my str is necessary to me and forcing it to go away or imposing
the suggested fees would make it prohibitive for me. Bozeman is become an expensive town and I'm
just trying to stay one step ahead.
Also, a quick look around town will illustrate the quality that str bring to neighborhoods. I keep my
house immaculate, to attract good guests. Thinking that str don't, unjustly compares them to long
term rentals, which, in my neighborhood, are the constant eye-sore. I'd be very careful comparing the
two or there will be more complex problems with how to regulate both types of rentals equally.
Please consider me and the harm it would do to my livelihood is str are not allowed or strict rules are
placed on them.
Thanks,
Lawrence Sampson