Jefferson City says new lodging association can’t sue over tax

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City's lawyers say the lodging association suing over the city's tax on hotel stays shouldn't be allowed to bring the lawsuit.

An attorney for the city filed a motion to dismiss the case on Thursday. The motion says the non-profit suing the city, the Jefferson City Lodging Association, started just days before filing the lawsuit, and that the association never claims to have paid the city's lodging tax. Because of this, the association has never been "damaged or injured" by the 7% lodging tax and doesn't have standing to sue.

The association sued the city on Oct. 24, claiming its use of lodging tax funds to pay for a future conference center and hotel is illegal. The lawsuit claims more of the money collected should be going to the city's convention and visitors bureau to promote tourism.