Bill to charge foreigners more at National Parks

[SAJ-99]

While tourism does provide economic benefits, it does not translate to revenue in any significant amount close to what it costs to city, county, and state. Local residents pay the bill.

First, the city may want to stop advertising to tourists if it is money-losing proposition. Start here https://visitbozeman.com/. Let me know what they say.
Second, as has been suggested, implement a sales tax or some other tax that brings in the needed revenue. (Or stop the "reckless and wasteful spending" that is a frequent comment every four years, LOL) Locals don't like it? Charge the NRs more. Let me know how you implement that, the NPS might want some suggestions. The last time I went through Bozeman, it seemed to be doing fine. Billings tried to implement a sales tax to charge the people from Wyoming who drove 100 miles to avoid paying taxes on their milk and eggs down there. It failed for the reason you can guess, but the city council meetings were entertaining. I joke that getting other people to pay for the stuff they enjoy is a Montana tradition.

 

[Justabirdwatcher]

Some of you folks need to learn about payments in lieu of taxes. Google is your friend here...

Payments in Lieu of Taxes | U.S. Department of the Interior

PILT payments help local governments carry out such vital services as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations

www.doi.gov

 

[Straight Arrow]

First, the city may want to stop advertising to tourists if it is money-losing proposition

Only for the city and county. The businesses who drive the politics are all about tourism.

implement a sales tax or some other tax that brings in the needed revenue

Yep, that is what we need ... but sadly a political hot potato.

 

[El Jason]

Montana is leaving probably hundreds of millions of NR dollars on the table by utilizing income tax instead of sales tax. Their state, their choice. But, foolish tax policy doesn’t provide justification for taking NPS money for local spending.

We like it when we buy big ticket purchases on our way to and from.

How the 50 States Rank By Tax Burden (Updated for 2025)

Residents of Hawaii are burdened by taxes the most, while Alaska residents have the lowest tax burden, a new WalletHub study found.

www.cpapracticeadvisor.com

Back to the original topic, I could care less if we charge foreign visitors more to visit national parks. Go for it.

 

[SAJ-99]

Only for the city and county. The businesses who drive the politics are all about tourism.


Yep, that is what we need ... but sadly a political hot potato.

Yeah, I get it. Same problem everyone faces - one smaller group benefits and another larger group doesn't. But asking the federal government to give money with an argument of “but the tourists!” Is a tough one for the rest of the country to buy in to, or pay in to as may be the case.

 

[RealMuddyboots]

IMO, over thinking the problem.

 

[aliqaisar]

Yeah man, so weird that people come to an Internet forum to discuss different topics. Not sure what gets into their heads.

so saad

 

[aliqaisar]

Yeah, I get it. Same problem everyone faces - one smaller group benefits and another larger group doesn't. But asking the federal government to give money with an argument of “but the tourists!” Is a tough one for the rest of the country to buy in to, or pay in to as may be the case.

lot of people faces problems

 

[El Jason]

lot of people faces problems

Post padding are we?

 

[Straight Arrow]

Is a tough one for the rest of the country to buy in to, or pay in to as may be the case.

That is a naive reflection of lack of awareness that we all pay into many programs and projects to which we have no connection or benefits. Yet they are worthwhile programs and projects to which I have no opposition. It's called "for the greater good". 'Too bad some can't endorse anything beyond themselves.