Leflore County citizens could see a 1 percent sales tax increase on their restaurant and hotel bills later this year.
County supervisors approved a tourism tax levy 4-1 Monday night, with District 1 Supervisor Phil Wolfe cast the dissenting vote.
The proceeds would be earmarked for the operation and maintenance of the Leflore County Civic Center.
"What it comes down to is whether we want to settle our local taxpayers with the maintenance of the Civic Center or spread it around a little bit," said Board President Robert Moore, District 2 supervisors.
The resolution must now go before the Legislature as a local and private bill to be approved.
Chancery Clerk Sam Abraham, county administrator, said the added tax would cover most of the Civic Center's annual operating expenses, which average $300,000 annually.
The 26-year-old Civic Center has operated in the red for several years. Last year, the air conditioners atop the building were replaced for a total cost of $219,000.
Greenwood already carries a 1 percent tourism tax on its hotels, motels and restaurants. The proceeds go to the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Last year, the supervisors attempted the same tax in the county. Greenwood Mayor Harry Smith opposed the tax, citing that the tax would fall most heavily on Greenwood.
The proposed tax died in the Legislature.
Wolfe said he does not approve any tax increases. In regards to Monday's measure, Wolfe does not mind the lodging side of the resolution as much as the added restaurant tax. "A lot of Greenwood citizens eat in our restaurants."
Ryan Holloway, chef and co-owner of Yianni's Restaurant, was not happy to hear the news.
"I don't mind taxes as long as it's properly spent," he said. "But I don't approve what they're doing with the money now."
Holloway said the hospitality industry gets picked on most often, and tax increases should be across the board.
If approved, the added tax could deter business for a little while, according to Holloway. Eventually, though, people get use to it and business picks up, he said.
