Tusayan’s plans for an expanded sports complex, flood control, and a new Town Hall largely depend on a 2% increase to the town sales tax.

There is going to be a public hearing on July 14th at 5pm at Town Hall to discuss the sales tax increase as well as the town budget.

The overwhelming majority of the funds raised by the hike will come from visitors. The impact on local residents would be minimal as the increase exempts food purchased for home consumption. The increase shouldn’t impact tourism as the new rate, 4%, is comparable with other cities in the area.

If approved the new rate will go into effect October first.

The Town Council held a June 18th meeting to go over the new budget. Here is a link. 

Its goals include:

1. Construct a New Town Hall: Allocate and manage funds to design and build a new town hall, ensuring the project is completed within budget and on schedule to meet the town's administrative and community needs.
2. Establish sufficient and sustainable funding sources to fully finance priority flood mitigation projects within the planning period, while utilizing current General Fund reserves to bring the fund closer to policy requirements.
3. Construct a Sports Complex: Develop a financial plan to fund the construction of a sports complex, incorporating resources to provide recreational facilities that enhance community engagement and well-being.
4. Maintain Stable General Fund Reserves: Ensure that the general fund reserves remain stable by adhering to the current contingency reserve policy, maintaining at least 15% of general fund expenditures to safeguard against unexpected financial challenges.