Cities Want Sales Tax Option

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus joins a growing number of cities statewide who want the Legislature to give them more revenue producing options.

The City Council has approved a resolution asking lawmakers to give cities the right to hold referendums on a 1 percent local option sales tax. Sixty percent of voters would have to approve and the money would have to be dedicated to major infrastructure projects like roads and drainage.

The local option sales tax has been a major issue for the Mississippi Municipal League for years, but it’s gained strength in recent years as cash-strapped cities look for ways to fund services. Legislators have balked at giving cities the referendum option for fear of being linked to a tax increase.