Columbus Restaurant Tax Dies At State Capitol

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Debate simmered for months around Columbus’ 2% restaurant tax, then it went to the state Capitol and was fried.

The bill to allow the restaurant tax to continue in Columbus and Lowndes County died this morning, March 28, in the House of Representatives.

A last minute change that would require restaurants that make more than $325,000 in food sales annually to collect the tax, lead to a debate between House and Senate members. No agreement was reached.

It is traditional to have that floor limit in the bill, statewide.

However, the resolutions passed by the Columbus City Council and Lowndes County Board of Supervisors did not have a floor in the proposed legislation.

This means the Columbus CVB, Golden Triangle LINK and city of Columbus will all lose money.

Our Jory Talley is following this story and will have more tonight on WCBI News at 5 and 6.