Daphne Alabama city council members put forth a proposal to use some of the city’s lodging tax funds to acquire loans for the redevelopment of their downtown area. This proposal was met with some opposition, however, from hotel owners among others present at last week’s Tuesday meeting.
The lodging tax was established in 1995 and has brought in approximately $3.3 million, most of which was put towards the purchase and development of waterfront property that has been for public use (e.g. Bayfront Park and Village Point Park); in 2000 council members voted to take out large loans using this revenue, but recent concerns have now been presented that the city’s ordinance that set how the lodging tax would be used has expired.
Many Hotel owners and others concerned with the economy of Daphne have expressed the need for the city to still invest in waterfront property and parks. The waterfront parks have been a huge attractive for both visitors and residents alike and they hope that this will continue to be how at least some of the 4 percent lodging tax will be spent.
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I think using these lodging tax funds should be used to invest in the waterfront property and parks. This will keep visitors coming in and residents from moving. It is a huge bonus for our community.
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