Most Worcester County Commissioners Support Increase in County’s Hotel Room Tax

Most of the Worcester County Commissioners are in support of a bill that would boost the county’s hotel room tax – from 5% to 6%. Two of the seven Commissioners – Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino were not in favor.

Ocean City officials have requested the increase to generate additional tourism revenue and want the increase enacted by the start of 2026 so that hotel and motel operators can set new room rates before summer bookings for 2026. For that to occur, legislation must be introduced at the Commissioner’s November 18 meeting with a public hearing. If passed as emergency legislation, it would take effect immediately – otherwise there’s a 45 day wait.

The measure would still need a unanimous vote by the County Commissioners to take effect.