Lakeway City Council could vote on whether to implement a hotel occupancy tax as early as January.

Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce President Laura Mitchell said the vote expected early this year comes after the chamber and city leaders researched the pros and cons of the tax that would be levied on guests of hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in the city limits, as well as people renting condominiums, apartments and houses for less than 30 consecutive days.

"I think both sides are ready to move forward, and it's just a matter of timing," Mitchell said.

A HOT could nearly double the funding used to draw tourists to the area, Mitchell said.

The Lakeway City Council could set the tax between 2 percent and 7 percent without a public vote. The tax, if approved in Lakeway, could add up to $9.10 to the average hotel transaction.

Mitchell, who worked in the hotel industry and became familiar with the HOT in Austin prior to becoming chamber president, said the money generated by the tax could allow for the advertisement of the city's amenities.

"I think all around, it's a good thing," she said of the tax.

Lakeway Mayor Dave DeOme said he became supportive of the HOT after learning it could help fund the expansion of the city's activity center. A commission consisting of involved stakeholders would manage where the HOT money is spent.

"We're trying to keep everybody involved so we don't have any kind of fusses or disputes going forward on how the money is spent," DeOme said.