CVB to shore up budget deficit with tax money

SOUTHAVEN — The DeSoto County Convention and Visitors Bureau board has adopted an operating budget of $11.5 million for the DeSoto Civic Center for fiscal year 2012 that starts Oct. 1.

The spending plan includes a $494,000 deficit that CVB members say will be shored up with funds from the county’s 2 percent tax on hotels and restaurants.

The Commercial Appeal reports the DCC budget is projecting to bring in $3.9 million in event revenue next year, along with arena rental of $675,000, convention hall rental revenue of $175,000 and parking revenue of $700,000.

The Civic Center was built in 2000. Its regular tenants include the Mississippi RiverKings hockey team.