DHS City Manager Reports Growth

Photo courtesy of Cimmaron Golf Course in Cathedral City. Image looking north towards Desert Hot Springs

By Jackie Devereaux

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA – A city manager’s report issued last week reported that the 2012 Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increased a whopping 13 percent over the same period in 2011.

First quarter TOT increases are great news to a town that has performed poorly in generating enough of these kinds of revenues prior to 2008 when City Manager Rick Daniels took over the helm.

Despite the past economic downturn these numbers indicate the economy is back on an upturn. People are traveling more. “This increase means more people are visiting Desert Hot Springs, staying at our hotels and spas. More people are spending their hard-earned money here generating even more sales tax revenue for the city.” Daniels said.

“Every month has been an improvement over the same time period last year with a 13 percent overall increase in just the first (and traditionally the toughest) quarter. That is a credit to the high quality and unique product that our hotelier’s provide to tourists as well as to their innovative marketing approach. Come visit the 3rd Annual Spa Tour and see for yourself,” Daniels said.

“These aren’t forecasts. These aren’t projections. These are real events in real time.

“Add this piece of good news to the city leading the Valley and in some quarters th

City Manager’s Report

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county in new sales tax growth over the past nine months and leading the Valley in growth of property values.

“Add to that the new Dollar General and new 10-room YK Spa on Hacienda under construction.· Factor in the new elementary school (Bella Vista) and the breathtaking turnaround that the high school has experienced under Dr. Anne Kalisek’s leadership; throw in the fabulous Community Health and Wellness Center with the Boys and Girls Club, and don’t forget the new 15-exam room medical clinic at the former Jewish Temple that has been funded by a grant from the federal government and will employ 50-75 medical professionals, and finally, the new 60,000 sq. ft. office building that is being built across the street from the high school.

“We have something special going on here!” Daniels said.

Daniels forgot to mention the new 180,000 sq. ft. Walmart expected break ground in Spring 2013.

“While this has been a very good year for Desert Hot Springs, the groundwork laid this year is poised to produce its best year yet.”

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