Half percent occupation tax at Cabela's raises $850K in 7 years

A half percent occupation tax charged on purchases at the Cabela’s retail store in Sidney has raised nearly $850,000 since it was first instituted in 2008. The money is earmarked for walking trails and storm water management.

The tax – voluntarily charged by Cabela’s – is permitted under a Sidney city ordinance passed in July 2008 and is in addition to the 7.5 percent state and local sales tax.

Cabela’s Chief Financial Officer Ralph Castner said the company began charging the occupation tax in October 2008.

“Statistics show that 26 percent of sales at our Sidney store come from customers livin...