Division On Tax Renewal

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Discussions continue at the Lowndes County Courthouse on the renewal of the county’s 2% restaurant tax.

Columbus’s recent interest in wanting a share of the proceeds with the C.V.B. and Golden Triangle LINK has put the resolution’s approval on hold.

Supervisors who spoke with city leaders express the city wants this share to go towards parks and recreation.

Supervisors opposed to this new compromise give their reasons to keep the renewal the way it was originally drawn out.

According to District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks, “We met to talk about recreation, and the conversation came up. We met because the mayor and Director Greg wanted to try and come up with a comprehensive recreation part, and he wanted us to be a part of the advisory committee.”

“We didn’t pull that much financial aid from them because we were giving it in other ways, and I want the parks to be successful. I think that’s being used against us a lot in what’s done in a way to try and hurt the city.” says Bill Brigham, District 2 Supervisor.

The renewal was approved 3 to 2, but because the vote wasn’t unanimous it cannot go to Jackson for approval.

C.V.B. and LINK heads were not available for comment, but we will have more on this story as it develops.