The Columbia Board of Aldermen this week unanimously approved sending a resolution to the Mississippi Department of Revenue officially requesting a 3 percent tax on hotels and restaurants.
A referendum approving the tourism tax passed with 76 percent of the vote on May 6.
City Attorney Lawrence Hahn said Tuesday the city had to send a letter to the Department of Revenue before the tax levy can be implemented. The tax, which is estimated to generate about $750,000 per year, is expected to begin being charged July 1. It will go toward a sportsplex and other parks and tourism-related improvements.
While Mayor Justin McKenzie was out of town Tuesday, the board kept its business as usual at the meeting with Alderman-at-large Edward Hough presiding.
Michael McDaniel of the Water Department discussed the issue of a water main break behind the strip mall that includes Fox’s Pizza Den on RA Johnson Drive Extended. That plat of land was not recognized by the city for utilities when it was presented in 2008. Upon recommendation of Hahn, the board unanimously voted to recognize the plat.
Also, real estate agent Richard Lokey approached the board about the water bill for some of his apartments. The current water bill was $4,064, which Lokey said was the result of water leaks and breaking of 40-year-old pipes in the ground. Lokey requested a reduction in the bill. Lokey then said he had spoken with someone and had the sewage part of the bill adjusted, bringing the bill to $3,000.
Hahn said the city cannot legally reduce a water bill as that would be considered giving away water. Lokey then requested a payment plan. He was advised to see McKenzie once the mayor was back in town.
City Engineer Jeff Dungan approached the board concerning the closing of the rubbish pit near the airport, which is required as part of the $10 million airport runway expansion. The board unanimously voted to officially certify the closing of the facility and will have to meet certain environmental conditions from the state. Yard waste will be taken in the future to a transfer station in Foxworth.
The board approved, based on a recommendation from Building Inspector Carrie Thornhill, to mow and clean up the following properties:
• 404 Chinaberry Ave.;
• 310 Hawkins Ave.;
• 504 Mary St.;
• 1120 Mobley St. (empty lot);
• 800 Willow Drive (empty lot);
• 805 Willow Drive
In addition, the board approved at Thornhill’s request to hold hearings for mowing and cleaning at the following properties:
• 913 Askew St.;
• 408, 410, 412, 413, 415 Chinaberry Ave.;
• 606 Foreman St.;
• 411 Nathan St.;
• 604 Nathan St.;
• 1915 Ridgewood Drive
The board also approved holding demolition hearings for 414 Bay Ave. and 1216 MLK Drive (burned house).
