Sunset in Dewey Beach by Ruth Noguerón, World Resources Institute, 2008.
Rep. Hocker (R-Ocean View) has introduced legislation to allow Dewey Beach to add a 3% accommodation tax on short term rentals. Sen. Bunting (D – Bethany Beach) is an additional sponsor.
Dewey Beach, like many communities, is finding that its budget is out of whack — approximately a $500,000 budget shortfall, but even worse, spending $200,000 more than expected. Back in September 2008, Commissioner Cook believed that the 3% accommodation tax could bring in up to $300,000 in revenue.
The Town Council of Dewey Beach is being very thorough with the proposed accommodation tax as they were making plans in October 2008 about how to collect and enforce the tax. Preparation is a good thing, but reading through the recent minutes, I didn’t find any mention of what plans Dewey Beach would put it in place if accommodation tax doesn’t get passed.
Dewey Beach will say that Rehoboth and Bethany both have the accomodation tax, but this arguement doesn’t work for my eleven-year old when he wants something that “everyone else has,” nor should it work for Dewey Beach. And I find it humorous that many full-time beach residents dislike us seasonal tourists, they do love to figure out inventive ways to take our money.