Residents might vote on tourism tax

SOUTHAVEN — A special election where Southaven residents decide if they want to place a 1 percent tourism tax on restaurant tabs could be held Oct. 5.

Mayor Greg Davis will ask the board of aldermen tomorrow to approve this date for the nonbinding referendum on the tourism tax.

Davis tells The Commercial Appeal that projections show that the 1 percent tax on restaurants could generate $1 million annually, saving the city from raising property taxes to cover the expense of expanding the parks and other infrastructure improvements.

Davis said their research has shown that at least 60 percent of the tourism tax revenue will come from people who do not live in the city.

Southaven, along with Horn Lake and Hernando, already levy a 1 percent tax on hotel and motel bills.