By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens City Council will be holding a public hearing next Wednesday, Jan. 21, during a workshop meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. The hearing is to get public input on a proposal to raise the Hotel/Motel tax 2 percent to help fund the Cain Center.
The idea was originally proposed last month by council members Joe Whatley and Charles Elliott.
“We’ve been looking for options all over to try and fund (the Cain Center),” Whatley said. “The City of Tyler was able to raise its Hotel/Motel tax from 7 to 9 percent through legislation and they were able to fund their civic center by doing that.”
“We were looking at that because we wouldn’t have to increase taxes on the general public. The hotels and motels would be effected by the 2 percent increase and we’ll need their backing and blessing to do it. This is all very preliminary, but this is one of the alternatives we are looking at to help possibly raise some funds,” he said.
The public hearing is the next step to see if the city can get support for the idea, particularly from the city’s hotels.
If approved, the plan could raise an estimated $65,000 annually for the Cain Center.
Even if everyone locally agrees to the plan, the city would still have to clear the high hurdle of Austin to get approval. A change to the Hotel/Motel tax rate would have to be approved by the Texas Legislature, according to city staff.
The Legislature convened this week and the last day for filing bills is March 13.
LOL, and to think that all the republicans on the city council, and their only suggestion is raising taxes… Seems like the Athens voters need to start electing “Conservatives” instead of “Republicans”… Raising taxes… Sounds like something the progressives would do.
Should be an interesting agenda item.
I would like to find out IF there is a waiver available for these taxes for the local motels. Our agency uses local motels on a regular basis – we currently pay the taxes even though we are tax exempt. With an increase at the local level it puts additional burden on our services. Can anyone think of a way to help us while we help members in our community also.
I’m ALL for collective problem solving. I want the Cain Ctr to have a bigger funding stream. This is a possible solution. we will need a solution also -so that we are not penalized by higher taxes too. Thanks for consideration. Blessings