County Wants School To Pay Fast-Food Taxes

Latah County officials contend the University of Idaho must pay property taxes for campus fast-food franchises on Monday or be prepared to have equipment confiscated.

The county treasurer’s office says the school must pay $2,126.52 in taxes, penalties and interest on equipment used in the Burger King, Taco Bell, Sub Shop and TCBY outlets at the student union building food court.

The university owns the property, but it is managed and operated by the Marriott Corp.

“The university doesn’t owe property tax,” said Brian Farmer, a compliance officer for the University of Idaho Risk Management Office. “Our position is that we are exempt from the tax.”

Farmer said the school has passed the tax bill along to Marriott and expects the corporation to pay it.

Jerry Curtis, general manager for Marriott at the university, said the company probably should pay the taxes since it provides the services and runs the equipment.

“I think it makes logical sense,” Curtis said.

However, he said he did not know whether Marriott would pay or contest the taxes. The information has been sent to the corporate legal office in Washington, D.C., for review.

In any case, Curtis said, Marriott will not be able to give the county an answer by Monday.

John Mills, owner of a McDonald’s in Moscow, said the university is making excuses.

“I just hate seeing a college getting into competition with McDonald’s and expect to turn around and get tax exemption,” Mills said. “I think they should be taxed accordingly.” , DataTimes