SANDUSKY — A years-long quest to modernize Erie County’s tourism economy reached its finish line Wednesday, as county commissioners voted to fundamentally shift how millions in visitor tax dollars are spent.
Commissioners Patrick Shenigo, Matt Old, and Steve Shoffner approved a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that streamlines the region’s marketing efforts and, for the first time, allows tourism revenue to directly fund local public safety and infrastructure.
The $4 Million Split The agreement creates a new entity: the Economic Development, Public Infrastructure, Community Convention and Visitors Bureau. Under the new structure, the county’s annual bed tax revenue—totaling approximately $8 million—will be split 50/50:
$4 million will remain with Shores & Islands Ohio for traditional destination marketing.
$4 million will be funneled into the new entity to support public infrastructure and safety projects that benefit residents and visitors alike.
The new entity will be responsible for the debt services payments for the tax agreement for the Cleveland Road sports center.
A Public-Private Powerhouse The move also consolidates the Erie County Visitors and Convention Bureau and Shores & Islands under the umbrella of the Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP), the regional chamber led by Eric Wobser.
“Conversations regarding the county’s lodging tax began almost a year ago,” said Commissioner Shenigo. “The county’s goal was to find ways to deliver a greater return for our residents while preserving the core mission of promoting the region.”
Shenigo credited state Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) for securing the legislation necessary to expand the legal use of these funds. Previously, bed tax money was strictly limited to tourism promotion; now, it can be used to pave the roads and fund the police and fire services that tourism requires.
The “Historic” Realignment For Eric Wobser, the CEO of GSP, the agreement is about more than just money—it’s about coordination. “It better aligns how we promote and develop our communities, creating a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to growth,” Wobser said.
The Visitors Bureau board is expected to finalize the agreement in a vote today, followed by the GSP board on Friday. If approved, the deal forges a permanent public-private partnership aimed at making Erie County not just a better place to visit, but a more sustainable place to live.
Editor’s note: The revenue amount collected annually and the split has been corrected in this story.
