If hotel owners have their way, it will cost a little more to spend the night in South Lake Tahoe.

The Tourism Improvement District is rallying its membership to raise the special hotel tax by $1 for hotels and motels to $3 a night, and for property management-time shares by $1.50 to $4.50.

These charges are on top of what the city collects for the tourism occupancy tax.

To proceed, the TID needs to get 50 percent of its members to agree to the hike. It was reported at this month’s South Lake Tahoe Lodging Association that 43 percent are on board.

“I think the only hesitation is because of the economy,” said Jerry Bindel, TID leader and general manager of Lakeland Village.

His belief is a down economy is the time to raise funds for marketing — which is what the tax goes toward.

To increase the fee, the City Council will have to give its approval. The subject is slated to be discussed by the council Oct. 6.