MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Manitou Springs voters will decide this Election Day whether to give city council the authority to raise the city's excise tax from 5% to as high as 14%.

The proposed ballot measure would allow the city to increase taxes on tourism services, including ticket sales at attractions, which include the following:

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Adventures Out West

Mayor John Graham said an increase would be implemented immediately if voters approve the measure.

"I expect it to be the higher end, in (the) 12-14% range," said Graham.

The mayor emphasized that visitors, not residents, would bear the cost of the tax increase.

"The tax would basically be paid for by visitors," said Graham.

However, some tourism businesses have opposed the measu

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