Rural leaders in 40 counties are bracing for corrosive budget deficits after the lapse of a federal program designed to compensate for the lack of local taxes on federal land. If no solution is found, these communities fear shortages for essential services ranging from roads to public schools.

Buffalo officials are advocating for a new 3% hotel bed tax to address significant budget deficits. However, the plan faces opposition from a hotel owner who feels misled and is not fully supportive of the initiative.