[Eagle101]

The lodging tax in Demopolis is paultry compared to some hoteols I have stayed in who had as high as 21% tax. Plus parking costs $10 a day.

Most people don't ask about the room tax at check in because they are thinking it is at least as high as the sales tax. In Demopolis the lodging tax is lower than the sales tax, if my memory is correct. In many larger cities a portion of the room tax USUALLY goes to support local tourism. The question is how many people who visit Lyon Hall, Gaineswood and Bluff Hall also use local lodging? Remember Gaineswood recently reduced their hours of operation. Has a survey been conducted to determine why people use local lodging? We need to know how many are here visiting friends and family, just passing through, business, to see the local sights or for whatever reason. On U.S. 80 we have five motel properties. One is currently being built next to Smokin' Jacks and two more are planned. One of these, a Best Western, is planned to be built next to the new credit union by Jay Shows and other investors. I plan on talking with Jay and hear his side on this. He is also with Industrial Board and works closely with the Chamber of Commerce. I have never heard of getting a rebate on taxes if you pay them on time. I wonder if that would work with the IRS????