Johnson County officials hope revenue from a proposed innkeeper’s tax could help fund a multi-million dollar expansion and improvements at Johnson County Park.The County Council on Monday unanimously approved the creation of the tax, which would require approval from the state legislature.The council established a rate of 7 percent for the tax; 3.5 percent would go toward upgrades at the park on the county’s southern edge; the remaining 3.5 percent would be distributed among the county’s cities through a newly created convention and tourism bureau. Initial estimates have the tax generating about $700,000 each year. According to state statute, an innkeeper’s tax can only be used to fund tourism promotion and to create a tourism fund; however, county officials are seeking an amendment to the statute that would allow a portion of revenue from the tax to pay off a bond to fund improvements at the park. “In talking with some of our state legislators, they realize we’re doing all we can in local government to find creative ways to pay for improvements,” Council President Josh McCarty said. “I think once it gets to the Statehouse, they they will take this under their wing and hopefully get it through the House and the Senate.” McCarty said he is hopeful a legislator will pick up the cause during the upcoming session that begins Jan. 7. “It sounds hopeful that there may be one or more (legislators) that will champion this cause for us.” McCarty said. Both the Franklin and Greenwood councils have adopted resolutions this year urging the creation of an innkeeper’s tax.