The Red Roof Inn in Norwich is one of the dozens of lodging locations that generates revenue for Chenango County in the form of an occupancy tax. Since 2020, the county's occupancy tax, dubbed the “bed tax,” has garnered revenues that have been higher than expected, leading the county and Commerce Chenango to bolster local tourism and promotion efforts. Changes to the local tax will now allow county officials to use bed tax revenue for economic development efforts as well. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NORWICH – Five years after first imposing a so-called “bed tax” on lodging in Chenango County, the county board of supervisors has re-authorized the tax with new adjustments that county legislators say will strengthen local tourism and economic development.

Whereas the tax was originally established solely to promote local attractions, alterations now allow county officials to tap into bed tax revenues to buoy economic development efforts as well.

The bed tax (formally called an “occupancy tax”) levies a 4 percent additional charge on hotel and motel rooms, bed and breakfasts, and other temporary rentals across Chenango County.