West Point pushing Legislature to OK hike in tourism tax

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/8/8

West Point officials have asked the Legislature to increase the local hotel and restaurant tax by 1 percent with the extra money going to city recreation activities.

Mayor Scott Ross said the city has asked local lawmakers to support a local and private bill to make the change. Local and private measures are bills that affect only one community and do not change general state laws.

These local and private tax bills are a different breed, tied as they are to local economic development and promotional projects. They also require the Legislature to revisit them from time to time.

The 2008 legislative session is scheduled to end April 19.