Drop in lodging affects other businesses, more

COLFAX – What does the arts council fish fence, restaurants and state parks have in common?

When lodgers don’t stay at local hotels, they all take a hit.

Projects like arts council murals, the regional swim meet, Chamber of Commerce photography contest and the MacDougall track invitational all receive funds from the local lodging tax through the economic development, tourism and events commission and city council. This fund is fueled by a two percent tax in addition to sales tax when staying at hotels.

“That does fund quite a bit,” said Caleb Cox, director of sales at Wheatland Best Western. C...