Motel-free Oregon town eyes bed tax

December 25, 2017 02:33 PM

UPDATED 7 HOURS 50 MINUTES AGO

The city of Oakland, Oregon, has given preliminary approval to a tax on motels.

But the bed tax won't generate any money. The small town in southwestern Oregon has no motels or accommodations — except for a one-room, online vacation rental.

Mayor Bette Keehley says the city is not going to levy the tax against that rental unit until the state firms up regulations for Airbnb-type establishments.

The mayor told the Roseburg News-Review that the city is not preparing for any new motels or hotels, but wants to "jump on this before we have the need for it."

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The City Council is set to hold a second reading on the ordinance Jan. 2. If approved, it would take effect 30 days later.