STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission has approved first reading of a plan to increase vendor fees charged during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The plan is to raise fees $50, from $650 to $700. Vendor licenses will be for 12 consecutive days and those who apply early will get a 10-percent discount.
The licensing fee covers anyone selling goods on a temporary basis along with owners of ATM’s, tattoo artists, and transportation services such as taxi’s or ride assist companies like Uber or Lyft.
As expected, commissioners received some pushback on the plan at their meeting this week.
But, Commissioner Doreen Creed believes the increase is justified because under the state system, counties do not reap the benefits of any sales tax collections.
The Black Hills Pioneer reports the commission is also considering raising the license fees for temporary campgrounds.
The new fees include $400 for 10-50 campsites, $750 for 51-100 campsites, $1,000 for 101-150 campsites, $1,500 for 151-300 campsites and $3,500 for 301 or more.
Previously, the county charged $200 for a campground with 20-50 occupants, $500 for one with 51-500 and $3,000 for a campground with 501 or more.
The commission will hold second reading of the changes at it’s February 11th meeting.
