In a decision that could affect plans for a Lewiston auditorium district, the state Supreme Court has reversed a lower court ruling and told an eastern Idaho group that it’s not allowed to use tax money just to advertise local public facilities.

In 2005, AmeriTel Inns Inc. challenged the Pocatello-Chubbuck Auditorium District’s advertising local public facilities. The district gets money from the Idaho Tourism Commission and a 2 percent room tax collected on local motels and hotels, including one owned by AmeriTel.

In reversing a 2006 decision by a 6th District judge, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled that the district must be engaged in construction and operation of public facilities, rather than just advertise them. The district has not constructed any facilities or made plans to do so.

The high court’s decision could mean that a planned petition drive to put the question of a Lewiston auditorium district on the November ballot would have been illegal, as supporters sought to raise the city’s hotel-motel room tax and use the funds to promote Lewiston as a tourist destination, and possibly build an events center.

Although the petition drive failed to gather enough signatures, the ruling could affect any future plans. (AP)