CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Administrator John M. Bullard outlined a proposal from the Cullman County Commission for a $3 per-night lodging fee to fund the construction of a new agricultural center. The fee, if approved by the legislature, would apply to short-term stays in Cullman County, including hotels, motels, inns, tourist cabins, RV parks and other accommodations regularly rented to transients.
Resolution-2025-15_0001Bullard explained the fee would be dedicated to Cullman County Parks and Recreation.
“This funding would be committed to Cullman County Parks and Recreation to pay for construction of the new agricultural center that has been proposed,” he said.
While several potential sites for the center are under consideration, the commission has not yet voted to finalize a location. Initially, plans called for renovating and expanding the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center along U.S. Highway 31 North, but considerations for size, scope and parking shifted the strategy toward a new structure. The estimated cost of the center is $20 million, though that figure could vary depending on site preparation costs.
Once the center is completed, the revenue from the lodging fee will continue to be allocated to Cullman County Parks and Recreation.
“The resolution states that these funds will be committed to Cullman County Parks and Recreation to pay for the center and other projects to improve the quality of life of Cullman County residents,” Bullard said.
He added that the ongoing revenue would reduce reliance on general funds, which could then be redirected to other priorities such as roads.
Addressing concerns about the potential impact of the fee on local lodging competitiveness, Bullard said the new center would attract more events and increase demand for hotel stays. “This would increase the room by $3 per night, and the ag center project will create more demand for stays in the hotels as we bring better events to Cullman,” he said.
Many other counties in Alabama already receive dedicated lodging taxes, which are typically percentage based and increase with room rates. In contrast, Cullman County’s proposed $3 fee will remain static over time. “The $3 fee will be the same from now on, effectively reducing the amount after inflation in the future,” Bullard explained.
The Cullman County Tourism Bureau currently receives the county’s lodging tax and uses it to promote tourism in the area. Bullard said the commission would be open to partnerships with the bureau as the agricultural center project progresses.
Bullard emphasized that the commission is mindful of minimizing the tax burden on local residents.
“The County Commission is extremely concerned about keeping taxes as low as possible for Cullman County residents. This lodging fee will serve to help build the agricultural center without taking money away from the citizens’ priorities like roads and public safety,” he said.
For more details, Bullard provided the resolution passed by the commission on Jan. 23, which formally requests the Alabama Legislature approve the lodging fee.
The Tribune will report more on this story as it develops.
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