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News Updates

Commission ratifies increase for hotel tax

Reprinted with permission from the Tallahassee Democrat and Jeff Burlew.

Unless you're an insomniac, you might have missed Tuesday night's public hearing on increasing Leon County's tax on hotel stays.

County commissioners took up the tax proposal just before midnight during a meeting that went past 1 a.m. Wednesday. The meeting was longer than most because commissioners also spent five hours on a controversial zoning change for a proposed development near Lake Jackson.

Commissioners voted unanimously to increase the county's tax on hotel and motel stays from 3 to 4 percent. Proceeds from the tax increase will be set aside to help pay for a new performing-arts center, which could host music performances, traveling shows, local theater, ballets and symphonies.

The city/county Cultural Resources Commission is overseeing planning for the center, which was proposed last year in the city's cultural plan. Peggy Brady, executive director of the commission, said she was grateful to county commissioners and tourism officials for supporting the measure.

"We know this will have a wonderful impact on the community at large," she said.

The additional 1 percent is expected to generate about $675,000 a year, which could raise $7 million to $12 million for the center if used to support a bond issue.

The other 3 percent - and the $2 million it generates annually - will continue to benefit the county's Tourist Development Council. The TDC spends the money to attract tourists, business meetings and sporting events to town. Commissioner Tony Grippa said he wants to make sure the TDC continues to receive that funding.

Commissioner Bill Proctor asked during the meeting whether the center could be located at the North Florida Fairgrounds. Proctor has been working to redevelop the fairgrounds property as an entertainment hub.

The cost, design, size and location of the center hasn't been decided. It will be funded with public and private dollars. Initial recommendations about how the center will operate are expected next year.