Residents who live within the city limits of Eupora will decide next week whether or not to implement a 2% tourism tax to provide support for parks and recreation and amenities.
The city will hold a special election on Tuesday, July 18, to vote for or against levying the tax. Voting will take place from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Community Center of the City Hall complex.
City Hall will be open for absentee voting from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 15, which is the last day to do so. Citizens living inside the city limits who wish to cast an absentee vote must bring a valid photo ID with them.
Voters will mark whether they are for or against the measure. The tax needs support from at least 60% of voters to take effect.
The 2% tax is being proposed for the gross proceeds of sales of hotels, motels and short-term rentals (Airbnbs), and on the gross proceeds of restaurant-derived sales of prepared food, beverages, beer and any other alcoholic beverages.
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Tourism Tax Info
Public Works Director Odie Avery presented this information from the city about the proposed tax during town hall ward meetings being held at the Community Center, the last of which was Thursday. The text is as presented on his slides:
Parks and Recreation is funded through the general fund — by property taxes and sales taxes.
The “tourism tax” is a tool that the state offers to municipalities to enhance their communities. “Should residents approve through a vote then it spreads the cost burden from the property owners to all of the folks who come in to visit Eupora,” Avery stated.
City residents will vote whether to implement a 2% sales tax added to prepared foods and beverages in the city of Eupora. It is not a tax on grocery stores — only prepared foods.
Why: The mayor and Board of Aldermen have committed to both the youth and the citizens of the city of Eupora and understand the community’s desire to create a better system for Parks and Recreation — amenities for citizens to enjoy that also bring visitors to the City of Eupora.
How: The funds generated from this Tourism Tax can ONLY be used for Parks and Recreation — and the state requires a committee of citizens to recommend how and where the money is spent, so no one or two are making these decisions It is driven by the community.
“What is our vision? WHAT IF?”
• Enhancements at Spud Stennett Park
• Upgrades at the Lake Park
• Enhancements at Brantley Park
• Add new softball fields to host tournaments.
• Utilize the Civic Center to develop a city recreation facility (sport courts plus afterschool programming)
• Develop events through the Parks and Rec Department to bring people to town.
Do other communities utilize this too for funding their parks and rec?
Yes. Over 100 communities in the state of Mississippi have implemented a tourism tax to fund parks and recreation for their citizens. Some of the communities around Eupora with a tourism tax were then listed.
“If you go out to eat in any of these towns you are investing in their communities and helping fund their amenities,” Avery stated in his presentation. “We can, and should, do the same to support Eupora.”
Information was then presented about how tourism taxes have been used in Houston and Starkville. In Houston, these have included new playgrounds, upgraded infrastructure around the square, offered grants to small businesses and for building façade renovations, implementing a seasonal concert series and a series of events to bring visitors to town.
The presentation concluded with this statement: “Do we accept the status quo? Or, do we try to do better for our youth and for future generations? Our citizens deserve nice things!
“Talk to people you know in communities who already use the tourism tax and see what they think about it.
“It is not permanent — it has to be renewed every three years. So, if we approve it but later decide it is not a good fit then it can go away.”
Frequently asked questions about the proposed tourism tax may be viewed at www.cityofeupora.com/about-8.
