Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
The Kimball Ranch Rodeo, pictured above, is one of many local events that draw visitors to Kimball County. Contestants in such events as well as spectators contribute to Kimball's economy in many ways, including through the state and county lodging tax, which funds local and statewide tourism efforts.
2015 was a banner year for lodging tax in Nebraska, reaching a record amount and boosting the Tourism Commission's cash funds, according to a recent news release from the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
From January through October the Tourism Commission collected more than $4.5 million statewide, an increase of nearly 9 percent over last year and breaking all previous records.
That total accounts for one percent of the total collected at lodging establishments throughout the state. Funds are then turned over to the county clerk in that county before being directed to the Nebraska Department o...