Those who pass through the Town of Vaiden and residents will begin to see a new two percent tourism tax starting Jan. 1.
The measure was passed during the Nov. 6 election. The tax will bring in money for parks and recreation.
“We won’t see revenue and know how much we’ve earned from the tax until mid-February,” Mayor Mel Hawthorne said.
In March, the legislature approved Senate Bill 3067 authored by Senator Lydia Chassaniol (R-Winona). The bill states that any prepared food or beverages sold in Vaiden have a two percent tourism tax added to the sales tax. This includes all Vaiden’s eateries -- Linda’s, Guy’s, 35/55 Truck Stop and Restaurant, Triple Stop and even Vaiden’s adult entertainment establishments. The money would go toward new parks and recreation for the town.
He said the town is also working to purchase an automatic dial out system to alert water customers if there are any problems.
“The quote I received was for $4,000, but I’m going to get another one because that one’s a little high,” Hawthorne said.
He said the system would monitor the pressure in the pumps and when the pressure falls under where it should be, customers will automatically receive a call alerting them of a problem.
He also said the town is looking into a transfer switch that will keep the pumps going if power fails.
Hawthorne also informed aldermen of a resident who removed his water meter from his home, but was still using the town’s water. Hawthorne said a deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department came to town hall and made a report after it was discovered the resident removed the water meter.
“What’s the next step, what do we do now?” Alderwoman Lesia Hemphill asked.
Board attorney Lane Greenlee said deputies will have to get a search warrant to see if the resident still had water in his home and the resident would be arrested for theft of utilities, which is a felony.
The board also:
*Approved a resolution for Shane Correro with Willis Engineering to apply on behalf of the town of Vaiden for the Emergency Bridge and Road Project Funds. The funds must include shovel ready projects that are high traffic areas and present the biggest need. The board of aldermen chose to submit the bridge on Bermuda Street, curve on North Street, Flower Street and Court Street.
*Approved a resolution from the Mississippi Municipal League that will allow energy co-ops like Delta Electric to provide internet service to rural areas.
*Promoted Shaquille Williams, public works, and Officer Mel Cannon, a part-time police officer to full-time. Williams’ promotion will be effective Monday, Dec. 10. The board also voted to evaluate Williams performance after 90 days. Cannon will begin Jan. 1 after he has completed law enforcement training.
