Residents in Carrollton will vote on a two percent tourism tax on Nov. 5 at the Carrollton Town Hall, which if passed, a two cents tax will be placed on every dollar spent on prepared food and beverage sold within the city limits. The proceeds will benefit tourism, recreation, and parks in Carrollton.
Mayor Pam Lee said the funds will used for tourism and could be used for publicity and promoting tourism for the town. Carrollton has several events that draw crowds, the biggest being the Carrollton Pilgrimage.
“The two percent tax on prepared food is to be used to promote tourism, parks and recreation. At the present time, tourism will be the focus for funds raised in Carrollton. All five aldermen voted in favor on the resolution,” Lee said. “While we don't expect this income to be a financial fix for the town, it is one way we can generate funds without raising property taxes.”
Lee said according to a study by Dr. Alan Barefield, Extension Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University, the 2018 Pilgrimage had an economic impact of $100,000 for the town and local businesses. She said the numbers for this year have not been released, but the attendance is similar to that in 2018. She said the numbers should be similar.
“Our vendors reported more sales than they did last year,” Lee said. “Which is a good thing.”
She said the two percent tourism tax could be used to promote any event that’s held in Carrollton.
“We also have the Taste of Soup, which also brings in a crowd,” Lee said.
Lee said Senator Lydia Chassaniol (R-Winona) has helped the town with the local and private legislation to allow Carrollton to hold a referendum to enact a two percent tourism tax.
“It’s a process and we have to go through the process, this is a part of it,” she said.
Lee said even though some of Carrollton voters vote at the Extension Office and others vote at the Fire Department and North Carrollton Town Hall, in order for their vote to count for the two percent tourism tax, they must also vote at Carrollton Town Hall for the referendum.
“Regardless of where they vote, they have to vote for this here,” she said.
For the two percent tourism tax to become a reality, 60 percent of those voting for the measure must vote in favor of the measure.
