Crowne Plaza Hotel's Tax Debt Keeps Growing

By Justin Foss, Reporter

By Justin Foss

CEDAR RAPIDS - The state says the owners of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids owe some sales taxes.

The Iowa Department of Revenue says they've filed another lien against Kronos Hotels, the owners of the Crowne Plaza.

Back in August, KCRG TV9 first reported the hotel's owners owed hundreds of thousands in taxes. Now, the state says the company owes more, $418, 844 thousand dollars in sales taxes to be exact.

The state has filed several liens through the court to make sure they get their money.

The state has received some of the money, the Department of Revenue says Kronos did pay off one of the liens worth about $20,000.

In August, the state said Kronos hadn't paid any withholding tax since September of 2007, but hasn't said what that amount totals.

Workers at the hotel say they've been dealing with bouncing paychecks for months, and they tell TV9 that Friday is another payday.

Many say they're worried Friday's check will bounce as well.

The company has blamed the bouncing checks on computer glitches.

However, workers at Kronos-owned hotels across the country say they're going through the same problems and getting the same answers from the company.
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Friday, Oct 10 at 11:37 PM inkititrust wrote ...

I agree lenguik The only way is to expose this nationally and then and only then will everybody know. Being a former employee in PA I have had a couple checks bounce and I got out. Hang in there and hopefully there is some justice coming for all of us.

Friday, Oct 10 at 5:04 PM lenguik wrote ...

We in lancaster Pa feel for you. We know what you are going through. Visit www.kronoshotelsllc.com The site is designed for sharing of information on Kronos. there are a ton of links on this company. They are Crooks and they need to be exposed.

Friday, Oct 10 at 3:36 PM introuble wrote ...

yes i am an employee and i resent being called stupid. we are waiting for them to get the boot. of course if you or i went without paying taxes we would be in prison. for some reason they are allowed to get away with it. ask harkin or grassly.if you think we are fools then show up one day and we will be happy to show you the view from the roof. it isnt the falling part that gets you its the landing

Friday, Oct 10 at 2:58 PM Me wrote ...

A danceland?!?!? What? There was something up by Lindale like that but obviously you and you're dancin' friends didn't go since it's closed.

Friday, Oct 10 at 12:48 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I say we gut that hole and make it something worth while like a danceland or someplace for adults to go (no, I don't mean another bar either....we all know this town doesn't need another one of those) to have fun, sort of like what used to be in that area back before the 5 season's arena was built.

Friday, Oct 10 at 12:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why is this hotel not closed, employees suing, and so on? WHY ARE PEOPLE GIVING THIS PLACE THEIR BUSINESS? Is there where the Mayor takes her midafternoon naps or something? I guess hotels can be used for all kinds of trysts. Why IS the City Council not stepping in? What is their connection? What room numbers? Where's John Stossel when you need him?

Friday, Oct 10 at 12:45 PM Meow wrote ...

Get of rid if the DUMPY HOTEL!!!!!!!

Friday, Oct 10 at 11:42 AM I have been watching wrote ...

I think it's time for Kronos to pack up and leave and the city needs someone else to manage the hotel. If you can't pay your employees or your taxes how can a company be in business. I'm surprised Kronos hasn't filed bankruptcy as of yet, or are they trying to hide something?

Friday, Oct 10 at 11:06 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I worked for Pepco Litho who bounced paychecks all of the time. I left and found a good job elsewhere and within 2 years Pepco was out of business. Maybe the same will happen to these jokers.

Friday, Oct 10 at 9:56 AM unbelievable wrote ...

i can't believe how incredibly stupid some people can be! if payday comes, and my paycheck bounces, i'm out the friggin door! anyone who bounces a check is a thief by iowa law! so if your paycheck bounces, and you continue working, i would say that makes you an accessory! you know the check is bad to begin with! everyone working for this motel should quit imediately, and those left working should be charged with passing bad checks! rooms still being rented means more crime and more theft!

Friday, Oct 10 at 9:28 AM 1st grade wrote ...

http://www.wikihow.com/Use-There,-Their-and- They're

Friday, Oct 10 at 9:26 AM cyberwolf wrote ...

I lost a buisness for non-payment of taxes what makes them any better than me and frauding employees, is it not illegal to issue worthless payroll checks?

Friday, Oct 10 at 8:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Sound like workers need to contact a lawyer all together and make a lawsuit to guarentee they can get there money!!

Friday, Oct 10 at 8:44 AM Its Payday..... wrote ...

AND MY PAYCHECK HAS BOUNCED THIS MORNING!!!! My Bank said they can NOT cash it! I am using the compouter here at the Crown Plaze, then going to see the GM and telling him i quit!!!! A $700.00 check is NO GOOD if you can't cash it!!!!!

Friday, Oct 10 at 6:56 AM Changes needed wrote ...

This hotel has been a dump for quite some time. Find another investor and another brand.

Friday, Oct 10 at 6:13 AM Anonymous wrote ...

After the first paycheck bounced I would have quit.

Friday, Oct 10 at 4:46 AM Workin fer free... wrote ...

Just remember if they turn off your electricity, Motel 6 will leave the light on for you!!!Mayor Kay I bet your little paycheck will be good.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:45 PM dan wrote ...

Rumor has it there going to lose there Crowne Plaza agreement for not being up to standards...

Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:43 PM Quit the Plaza and go make money! wrote ...

Why on earth are the employees still working if they are not getting paid? Go somewhere that pays! There are jobs in Cedar Rapids. It may not be your dream job, but it is paying more than the Plaza OBVIOUSLY.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:27 PM Adam wrote ...

Maybe it is time that the city buys out Kronos's contract and allows another managment firm to take over (Kinseth, etc).

Thursday, Oct 9 at 10:37 PM Mayor Kay wrote ...

The city will pay your wages. Just wait till I get my Lay Z Boy rocker for my office. Its being delivered with FEMA money soon. I'll call you soon to let you know how much money is left for us to build a flood wall. PEACE!! HA! I got my Lay Z Boy, fight for yourselves!!!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 10:14 PM same stuff, different day wrote ...

I worked for Midwest janitorial and got stiffed on 2 paychecks in a row. They claimed they put my pay on my sisters check. They didn't. I quit right then. No reason to make them money while I go a month with no income. (couldn't sue because I had no money and was getting evicted) People at the crown plaza should quit and stop making the company money as well.

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:26 PM stupid wrote ...

if you still work there you are not very smart. don't you work to get paid? get the heck outta there!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:23 PM kdfhdhfu wrote ...

Close the doors already!!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:00 PM Sam wrote ...

It is unfortunate when you can not even depend on your own employer for a paycheck. I do have sympathy for these employees and hope everything gets sorted out!

Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:59 PM ttf wrote ...

Time to make this hotel a marriot.

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