Jackson voters reject tourism tax increase
Measure needed 60% approval and received a little over 45%
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Jackson voters rejected a proposed tourism tax increase, so the increase will not take effect. Fifty-four percent of voters in the city voted against the plan.
Vote totals
The increase needed 60% of the vote in its favor to pass. It received a little over 45%.
What the measure would have done
The measure would have raised the hotel room tax by 1 percentage point and the restaurant tax by a half-point.
The money would have helped support conventions, sports, advertising and other tourism-related needs.
Visit Jackson comments
Visit Jackson CEO Ricky Thigpen said the city’s tourism tax has not changed since 1983. He said he believed an increase would help local festivals and annual events bring larger crowds and improve the capital city.
What’s next
There is no word on whether the city has alternate plans to help fund tourism in Jackson.
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