CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County Solicitor Kim Kesner reported to the commissioners Tuesday morning on five hotels that failed to file tax reports with the county.
Hotel patrons in Clearfield County pay a percentage of their room rate in taxes that go to the county to be used in tourism promotion.
The solicitor reported to the commissioners that certified letters had been sent to the five hotels, and three had since filed their delinquent reports.
Two hotels, however, have yet to file the required reports, The Continental Inn in DuBois and Electric Avenue in Houtzdale. The Continental Inn has failed to file reports for the fourth quarter of 2006 and Electric Avenue has failed to file reports for all of 2006.
Kesner asked the commissioners for the authority to file summary complaints with a magistrate against the two hotels. The commissioners voted unanimously to allow Mr. Kesner proceed with the legal action.
A $50 fine can be imposed for filing paperwork late, according to Kesner. In addition, a first offense for the summary complaint could mean a fine of up to $100 for the business.
Commissioner Mark McCracken noted that the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority, the county’s tourism promotion agency, has an active hotel committee that allows county hotels to have a voice in how the hotel money is spent.