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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???? |
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OK Sarge,
Starting at the end of your post, every merchant gets a discount if they pay the State sales tax collected, on time. It has been that way for at least 35 years. After all, There is time and
expense inflicted on the merchant to have to collect and remit the sales tax. The same would be true of any tax including the lodging tax.
Second. Gaineswood is wholly owned and operated by the State of Alabama and is totally independent of the City of Demopolis or the Marengo Historical Society. Having no control over the operation of a State facility should be enough reason for not funding it with local tax.
Third. Why people are using our lodging facilities is a moot point. The fact that they are there and attract people to Demopolis is a asset. That we have been doing it at a better rate than surrounding cities is a feather in our cap and may attract people to stay here rather than Selma, for example.
Fourth. No need for additional taxation has been given. Just the "catch up with the competition" excuse which is about as lame as a two legged dog.
I need a better reason to be for it!