Starkville hotel and restaurant tax continues to move forward

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The governor has signed Bill 1565.

And with his signature Wednesday, the city of Starkville can move forward with big plans to improve the parks.

It is a move to allow a one percent tax to be collected from hotels and restaurants in Starkville.

Mayor Lynn Spruill anticipated that could be $1 million dollars over a year of collections.

The money is tagged to expand the recreational opportunities.

The Board of Aldermen is expected to approve a resolution next week that will allow voters to decide on the tax.

And, that vote could come as early as June.

City leaders said money from the tax will be used for the development of Cornerstone Tournament and Recreation Park. Existing parks will also be improved.

Cornerstone would be used to bring in major tournaments and those families would be staying in local hotels and eating at local restaurants. Supporters said the entire local economy would get a boost.