At its regular meeting this week, the Winston County Commission unanimously passed a resolution to approve two items to benefit the financial health of the county. The measure approved the final language of the county’s lodging tax, and approved a loan to the Healthcare Authority that oversees Winston County’s only hospital.
According to a news release by the commission, the lodging tax revenue will be generated entirely from visitors to the county, with a small amount added to rental fees for accommodations. Neither the citizens nor property owners will be charged anything under the tax. The commission says the lodging tax will help provide much needed funding for infrastructure where the assets generating the funds are located.
The lodging tax will also provide funding for both the Winston County Sheriff’s office and the fire departments that protect local citizens and tourists alike. This revenue will allow for the promotion of tourism to bring more people to the area as they enjoy the beauty and natural resources of Winston County. Finally, a portion of the tax will be dedicated to the early retirement of debt on the judicial building/jail and will free up additional road and bridge funds once that debt is paid.
The commission’s attorney Jeff Mobley said the lodging tax proposal will be sent to the state legislature for approval, and then be placed on the ballot for a vote by the citizens of Winston County. Mobley said their goal is to have the measure on the ballot in time for the general election in November.
In addition to generating revenue through the lodging tax, the resolution also renews the commission’s commitment to healthcare and economic growth in the county. The commission has agreed to give a transition loan to the Health Care Authority as Lakeland Community Hospital transitions from an Acute Care Hospital to a Critical Access Hospital.
The commission said during the transition, the hospital does not receive any payments for the services provided until months later when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and their billing contractor completes the hospital’s new billing system. This transition was made even more difficult by the government shutdown in October and November 2025.
According to the Alabama Hospital Association, the hospital has a direct and indirect economic impact to Winston County of more than $40 Million per year. Having a hospital located in Winston County also lowers the insurance rates for industry located anywhere in the county.
Chairman David Cummings said the unification resolution takes an important step forward in preserving and advancing the future prosperity of the county and its residents. The transition loan to the Health Care Authority will be paid back with interest, benefiting not only the Health Care Authority now, but also the county in the future. And the revenue generated from the lodging tax will benefit the county for generations to come.
The commission said it wants to let everyone know that they are working together for a better future for every citizen of Winston County.