The North Carrollton Board of Aldermen has voted to seek a 2 percent tourism tax on prepared food and beverages.
On Jan. 2, the board unanimously passed a resolution requesting that the Mississippi Legislature allow for the addition of a tourism tax in the town if North Carrollton voters agree. Sixty percent of voters must vote in favor of the measure before it becomes a reality.
Proceeds from a tourism tax must be used to promote tourism and parks and recreation in the town, according to similar bills passed in the area. In August 2016, Winona’s voters elected to add a 2 percent tourism tax to prepared food and beverages.
North Carrollton Alderman Ken Strachan said he discussed ways to increase town revenues without a property tax hike with Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, R-Winona, and the possibility of a tourism tax was discussed. Chassaniol serves as the chairman of the Mississippi Senate Tourism Committee and has introduced tourism tax legislations for Vaiden and Carrollton as well as Winona, she said.
“This is a way to bolster tourism in these small towns,” Chassaniol said. “People are very interested in these small Mississippi villages. Carrollton and North Carrollton are the epitome of a small Mississippi village. With the Heritage Highway (as Highway 82 was designated in recent years to promote heritage tourism), going from Columbus to Greenville, a tourism tax is a wonderful way for these little towns to collect a few more dollars. I have high hopes this will benefit the revenues of the town.”
Strachan, who proposed the tourism tax to the North Carrollton Board of Aldermen, said, “North Carrollton and Carroll County have a rich history that is excellent for tourism. These funds will help to enhance tourism, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. I appreciate Sen. Lydia Chassaniol and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves on their efforts in helping North Carrollton’s efforts to promote tourism.”
If the Legislature votes to allow North Carrollton to pursue the tax and North Carrollton voters agree, two cents will be added to every dollar spent on food and beverages at North Carrollton restaurants and food trucks and prepared food and fountain drinks at convenient store delis. The tax does not apply to grocery items.
