From Mirror staff reports

The Bedford County Vis­itors Bureau asked county commissioners to increase the county hotel tax from 2 percent to 5 percent.

The BCVB receives about a half million dollars in hotel tax revenue annually, according to a press statement. The 3 percent increase would provide the BCVB with about $1.25 million annually.

Commissioner Barry Dallara said the commissioners would gather resident input through town hall meetings and surveys prior to making a decision about the request. The commissioners also said they intend to visit other counties and collect “pertinent” information and data from residents.

The most recent hotel tax bill was passed in April 2016 and enables the commissioners to impose up to a 5 percent hotel tax.

The intent of the legislation is to provide counties opportunities to promote tourism and put “more heads in beds” and “more shoppers in shops.”

The commissioners said they welcome any feedback.