Ballot BoxWednesday, November 4
Jackson voters weighed a tourism tax hike Tuesday that needed 60% to pass
The Daily Jackson team
If you eat out or book a hotel in Jackson, Tuesday's ballot had something for your wallet. Jackson voters decided on a referendum that would raise the tax funding Visit Jackson for the first time in more than 40 years. The reports we used were written before the polls closed, so we don't have a result yet.
Visit Jackson says its 1% tax hasn't changed since the agency was created in 1983, even as its responsibilities have grown to include recruiting conventions and sporting events. CEO Rickey Thigpen said the money would also support quality-of-life efforts, like a citizenship club at two other elementary schools and the new banner at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
- Restaurant total rate: 9% now, 9.5% if approved
- Hotel total rate: 11% now, 12% if approved
- Hotels also charge 75 cents per room per night
What the increase would mean at the register
- 10 cents
- more on a $20 restaurant bill
- $1
- more on a $100 hotel room
- 60%
- of voters needed to pass it
- 1983
- when Visit Jackson was created
Supporters also point out that Jackson's current tourism tax is lower than those in Memphis, Atlanta and Birmingham.