Supporting tourism in Pettis County

Tourism funding for a stronger Sedalia area

The Sedalia Area Tourism Commission oversees Pettis County lodgings tax funds and supports projects that bring visitors to our community.

At a glance

The Pettis County Lodgings Tax

The lodgings tax provides dedicated support for tourism marketing and development throughout the Sedalia area.

Established in 1992

Voters approved the original tax after state-enabling legislation.

5% rate

Voters changed the rate from $2 per occupied room per day to 5% in April 2012.

Tourism focused

Funds support destination marketing, tourism product development, and CVB administration.

What is the lodgings tax?

State-enabling legislation provided in House Bill 25 of the 86th General Assembly, approved by a vote of the people on August 4, 1992, created the Pettis County Lodgings Tax at a rate of $2 per occupied room per day. House Bill 161, approved by voters in April 2012, changed the rate to 5%.

All proceeds from the tax are to be used to promote tourism. Uses include destination marketing campaigns, tourism product development, and administration of the Convention & Visitors Bureau.

How is the tax administered?

A five-member tourism commission oversees collection and disbursement of the tax. Two members are appointed by the Pettis County Commission and two are appointed by the City of Sedalia. One member from each governmental appointment represents the hotel and motel industry. The Convention & Visitors Bureau appoints the remaining member to represent the general business community.

The Commission establishes governing policies and procedures, including the request-for-funding application process. It also works with the Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau to maintain a Sedalia Area Tourism Development Plan. One objective of that plan is to propose funding priorities for tourism marketing and development projects.

The Tourism Commission recognizes equal opportunity practices in the collection and distribution of lodgings tax proceeds.

Leadership

Commission members

  • Kyle HerrickChair · CVB Representative
  • Bill TaylorVice Chair · County Representative
  • Erica EisenmengerTreasurer · City Lodgings Representative
  • Tom AdermannCounty Lodgings Representative
  • Matt WirtCity Representative