In 2009, two legislators were united in altering and eventually killing McComb’s motel tax. As a result, the Department of Community Relations and Tourism lost its primary source of funding.
Last year, the same two legislators split on renewing the tax, and it failed two House votes, forcing the city to fund the tourism department with McComb’s general fund.
But things are different in 2011.
The city has a new administration, and Mayor Whitney Rawlings recently suggested using proceeds from the tax — if it is revived this year in the Legislature — to build two baseball fields at the McComb Sports Park, calling it a potential economic engine.
The city board unanimously approved a measure last week seeking to reinstate the 3 percent tax.
More important, the two legislators who initially fought then split on the tax — Reps. Sam Mims V, R-McComb, and David Myers, D-McComb — are united in bringing it back.
From the outset, Mims questioned the way the tourism department spent tax funds. Myers joined him in proposing a 60-40 split between the county and city when the tax came up for renewal in 2009. City officials balked at the proposal to split the funds.
Last year, Myers changed his stance and championed an effort to revive the tax, although Mims continued to question the department’s expenses.
“There was never a doubt in my mind that the previous administration would continue to spend money here in Pike County, not trying to bring people who do not live in Pike County into the community,” Mims said. “To me, that’s not tourism. That was the problem I had. I think citizens spoke loudly and clearly that they were ready for a fresh start.”
Following more recent discussions with city officials, Mims is on board with other legislators this time around.
“I do believe this is a much better way to use tax receipts than to spend money on people who live here already,” Mims said.
“I think the unanimous vote shows the city is on board with this new direction of how to spend the tax dollars. It shows the city is united, and ready to go in a different direction,” Mims said.
“I’m on board with it,” Myers said. “I am surprised that the board voted 6-0 for it. It really plays into the city board’s favor to have a 6-0 vote because it’s easier to get it passed through House.”
After speaking with Rawlings and board attorney Wayne Dowdy on Wednesday, Myers said he is comfortable with the way the city intends to spend the money, but added that the tax — if it passes both the House and Senate by a three-fifths majority and a city-wide vote — will have a 3-year repealer attached to it to ensure the city spends the proceeds correctly.
Myers said the current administration will face the same scrutiny former mayor Zach Patterson’s administration experienced.
“I’m going to treat this administration the same as every other administration,” Myers said. “If I think they’re not handling the funds correctly, I will voice my opposition.”
Sen. Kelvin Butler, D-Magnolia, supported the tax renewal last year and said he will will support again this year.
“If it’s something the city of McComb wants to do, it’s my job to represent them at the state level,” Butler said. “If they send a resolution, it’s my job to do it. I support it wholeheartedly.”
Butler, who chairs the Senate’s local and private committee, championed the bill’s unanimous passing through the Senate last year before it died in the House.
