Residents Set To Vote On One Percent Tax Increase

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The decision to collect a one percent hotel and restaurant tax in Starkville now comes down to a vote.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the board of aldermen voted to have the election take place on May 30th.

The city is looking to improve its parks all across town and they believe this one percent hotel and restaurant tax will help them do just that.

However, before it can be implemented, sixty percent of residents must vote in favor of the tax increase in order for it to pass.

If passed, city leaders said money from the tax will be used for the development of Cornerstone Tournament and Recreation Park and improvements to existing parks.

Mayor Lynn Spruill anticipates the vote could result in roughly one million dollars over a year of collections.

“I have all along said that we have lots of opportunities to do good things in the community, and parks is one of those very important pieces of what we are responsible for,” said Mayor Spruill. “Cities do infrastructure, they do water, they do government, but parks is also a part of what we do. It’s time for us to step up and make our parks the very best that they can be.”

The one percent tax won’t be the only thing residents will be voting for on May 30th.

There will also be a special election for the Ward 5 alderman seat.

Only residents living in Ward 5 can vote on this matter.

Patrick Miller previously held that seat and has stepped down from the position.

Who ever is elected will serve out the remainder of his term.