House OKs bill to hike Greene lodging tax

The House of Delegates on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow Greene County to increase its hotel tax rate from 2 percent to 5 percent.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, R-Mount Solon, had previously cleared the Senate. It will now head to the desk of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

Under the bill, Greene could raise its tax on hotel, motel and bed-and-breakfast rooms, but only if the newly generated revenue is spent on efforts that increase tourism in the county.

The House approved the bill in a 72-26 vote.