Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At the present time, i am against any new taxes! I feel, as a conservative, there needs to be better management with taxpayer funds! it is very easy to spend someone's money, and I disagree with the parties in the subject article! Of course, it is to there advantage to ask for the additional monies, I disagree with their logic! You need to live within your budget and I agree that the local governments need to do this also! I agree with Mr. Pollard with cautious reservations!

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 4:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why dont the businesses that benefit from tourism do their own advertising like other businesses that dont benefit from tourism .

Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on January 29, 2008 at 5:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well it seems to me the way we need emergency responders, I.E. Police Personal, seems this money would be better spent on hiring more Patrol Officers. The Isle of Capri has and effective marketing department to get many to come here. I here word the Marketing Man from the Grand Soleil Casino is DARN good, talking to people that has worked with him in the past. If there is a rate hike, which I am sure there will be, let's make sure the people that come here will feel welcomed for one thing, then feel at home for another, which will involved feeling secured. Then they will spend there money on other things.

Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on January 29, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, I know after the last two, two term U.S.Presidents where going out of office, this nation goes into a slight recession. I am seeing these signs for the Bush administration. So, I don't think right now will be the time for a hike in taxes. Let's wait till the next president is in office for a year, and the economy gets started back again.

Posted by bulldozer (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The ones to whom this tax increase is going to affect ought to SUE. Just as the Comfort Suite did in Vidalia la.

Posted by hellcat (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At the rate our officials are "losing" equipment, misappropriating funds, ect. I don't think a tax increase is going to go over well until these people can show us they can be responsible with our money. My best friends just spent over 700 on a tag for her new car and I am about to do the same, it will make me sick to write that check out when in 6 months I will have to write another for a front end alignment because I travel Canal St daily. Maybe an actual account should be shown each Monday of transactions made with tax money instead of deed transactions. Start holding people accountable.

Posted by canttoteitdragit (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just say "no" to new taxes!

Posted by statedweller (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The City of Natchez had plenty of money to advertise Natchez and the convention center through the prior hamburger tax. The money was supposed to be used strictly for advertising and promoting Natchez. When the intermodal center was built, some, if not most of these funds were diverted to pay the maintenance on the building. Now we're going to raise the hamburger tax again and let's see what happens to the money.

Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am against taxes but neither of these will effect me. I want the roads fixed, I have run out of ways to go around the bad streets because all are trash. It is time for the city to find the money to fix them. The price of vehicle taxes here are more than I have ever paid and the roads the worst. I hope we are not trying to go back to dirt roads so the tourist will have authentic Natchez 1800's. Give us good roads or get out of office.

Posted by amyrenene (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think if some of these people would quit putting their dirty little hands in the pot, they would have more "tax" money to do whatever they need to do. If the money was handled correctly, we wouldn't see tax hikes every time we turned around.

Posted by justice (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not everyone has the backing of a government entity when they want to increase taxes for their so-called business . When are people going to realize that government and true business entities don't mix . Government has no idea what it takes for a business to make a profit . Government needs to be in a pile by itself . Without government intervention you'll have far less business failures . Nothing but the Robin Hood syndrome in disguise . Government has never earned it's keep . If government had to compete like any other business how long would they survive in a free market ? Most normal people would never freely support their over inflated prices anyway . We the people , by the people , for the people . Government has forgotten who really matters . It' us !

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Instead of periodically throwing big money at slick publications they need to be working leads they can get from reporters who are looking for stories. Hopefully, they already are doing this. Somebody with a little PR experience, who can write a press release, could multi-task for the Chamber and/or the CVB and make a huge difference. There are services that are free and some that can be subscribed to that would generate all kinds of opportunities to spread the word about Natchez.

If the tax comes from tourists and they allocate a portion of the budget to finding and following up on national leads rather than mainly advertising in publications where they are competing with everyone else in MS or the South it would benefit the tourism industry substantially.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this type of tax, a sales tax essentially, is good and fair; and a good way to create revenue without taxing locals. Otherwise, the income from these businesses- casinos and hotels- aside from some wages, is going straight out of this town.

My hotel bills from my travels ususally include - city, county, state, AND a sports tax to come close to 15% of the total bill

Posted by localyokel (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thetinman is absolutely correct. If/when they do raise taxes on these industries, why would they dump the funds into tourism? We will have 3 casino's promoting the area. That coupled with our funds should be plenty. If we had more patrol officers and investigators we could potentially reduce the burglary problem and crime itself. What are these people thinking. Seems like they just want to complain about crime and address their own agendas and turn their back while the citizens suffer.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Watch the elections coming up! Be cautious with reservations! Get involved and stay involved! The future of Natchez depends on it!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am normally against any rise in taxes, but in this case it is needed.
Tourism is the major industry that Natchez has. The hamburger money meant for tourism was diverted to pay for the Convention Center and the inter-modal (Visitor) center. While both these buildings could be beneficial to tourism without money for promotion they are usless.

Yes the money from the Hamburger (2) taxes were desiginated for the first Convention center but after it was paid for those monies were spent on promotion and the running costs of the convention center.

The money Natchez spends on promotion is pitiful. The number of tourists to Natchez has been in steep decline since the building of our new tourist buildings. This decline has also hurt all tourist related business. The hotels, restaurants, tour homes and NPT, have all seen rising costs and less income. This has also led to less money available for advertising.

Businesses have tried to work together for years to pool their money to improve the advertizing message. This helps but Natchez can not compete with other towns even in Mississippi that have higher taxes and bigger tourism budgets.

This tax is needed, and tourism must be promoted and encouraged. Many people have invested millions in Natchez because we see its potential.

Tourism benefits us all (whether or not you realize it!) Natchez has more events, more good restaurants, the prettiest downtown with good shopping and river views, than any city with even much larger populations in a similar location (2 hour drive from major city, an hour from any interstate).

More tourists mean more money coming to Natchez. More money means better roads, better police force, better schools and even more industry. Industries will move to places that have a good quality of life.

All the hotels support the increased tax and I am sure most if not all restaurants will too. Most people don't even notice the tax on food or hotels, most who travel expect at least 10% some places 15-20% is not uncommon.

Of course we have to watch the cookie jar, politicians have raided it before and that is why the new bill expressly states what the money has to be used for.

Natchez has not done a good job in promoting tourism for many years. The hotels declined, competition increased, we dropped the ball. We have a new group of investors now, we have new energy, new hotels and new casinos coming. Lets work together let's support tourism and pass this new tax.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on January 29, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see how does the old saying go?

Fool me once, shame on you.

Fool me twice, shame on me.

The downtown clowns better get their act together and fast. Well, it may be to late for a few. At least, I hope so.

NO, NEW TAXES!

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Burger King should deliver.

Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone seems to be against raising taxes, no one wants to spend more for something. But money to raise the national deficit has to come from somewhere.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cut taxes and cut spending.

End entitlements.

No more hand-outs. You want a service, pay for it.

the US Govt is BROKE. No money and in debt up to OUR ears. We need to CUT spending and stop giving out feel-good handouts AND corporate welfare.

Posted by geezer (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WHY IS TAX MONIES BEING USED TO PROMOTE CERTAIN BUSINESS.
IF THIS IS SO GREAT LETS CUT TAXES SO THAT ALL BUSINESS BENEFITS.

Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's the big deal about taxing occupied hotel rooms? How does that add tax burden to the local taxpayer? Locals living in hotels?

i can kinda see the 5% on food being objectionable, but a tax on hotels paid by hotel guests not locals? I don't understand. Sounds obstructionist to me.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok a few points, the additional tax on food is not 5% it is currently 1.5% and it will rise (hopefully) to 2% a 0.05% increase i.e. an extra 5 cents on $10.00 meal.

Natchez is not being promoted well (it is barely being promoted)
The CVB spends about $150,000 a year on promotion. That may seem like a lot of money but the average cost of running for mayor for a 3 month campaign is about $60,000 of just advertizing in the city limits. $150,000 gets a very small ad in a major national magazine a few times a year and some regional mentions in small market publications.

Natchez has been resting on past successes. People have heard of Natchez we are featured in many Design and Architectural books and T.V. shows, we are featured in the musical Showboat, and Greg Iles has also featured Natchez. All this has helped keep Natchez's tourism on life support. Anyone who has been in Natchez and been to Pilgrimage, shopped downtown can see the decline in the number of people.

Ironically the investment in Downtown in the last 15 years has been immense. Downtown probably has never looked so good. The money has come from various sources. The Federal Government spent millions on the Court House the intermodal center, the National Park and with store front tax credits. The City built the new convention center and bought a number of buildings and renovated them. The Historic Natchez Foundation has saved a large number of buildings from the wrecking ball and found investors to re-develop them. Private developers have restored the Historic Eola Hotel, built new hotels and bought and restored dozens of other buildings. New businesses have moved downtown and opened retail stores, apartments and offices.

All this investment is good for Natchez but the locals can not support it alone. Tourists are vital to the success of Natchez, without them the town will die. 18,000 people can not support all this investment; especially when a large segment of the community are living on or below the poverty line.

Some people complain that tourist jobs are not real jobs, they say they are low paid. The truth is that some jobs are low paying but many do not need a high level of education. We have a frightening number of people who lack basic education skills and could not qualify for many jobs in a incresingly high-tech world.

Many people in the tourist industry do make a good living, and they also create new jobs. These jobs require a wide variety of skills and have a very wide income range.

Natchez is full of people who came as a tourist and stayed. They have invested in Natchez and created jobs.

Please support this proposed tax. If not Natchez will decline and eventually disappear as many other formerly wealthy river towns have already done.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points Natchez1.

And to the other poster saying have Historic Natchez Foundation pay for advertising, they don't have any money.

Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cannot support the tax increase at this time. Natchez is well known if those investing the tourism tax dollar did so with well organized thoughts and into well organized magazines, etc. Natchez will prevail. At this time with money tight, going out to eat is the biggest expense I take and, sure enough, it is not much of an increase. No increase is by itself. But add it to each place you want to eat and depending on the number of children or orders, it adds up to be a big chunk of dollars out of your pocket. Locals keep all the restaurants business, including those in the hotels. I think this needs to be discussed, and discussed and pros and cons need to be heard on both sides. It will eventually go through but no one is adding any percentage points to my income. No one is going to help the little guy who eeks out a living from week to week and actually looks forward to saving up to eat out; or take the kids to a movie or some other activity. Everything costs. And to whomever above said the streets need to be fixed; that is definitely a priority and one that affects everyone. Almost every street, neighborhood, cross streets are in bad shape. Probably there is not a vehicle that does not need an alignment job just from driving across town. Fix the streets, then advertise so the tourists will have good streets to walk on or ride on.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on January 29, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A nickel, dime, quarter, etc when does it stop or does it ever stop?

It seems to me that somebody lied! Hey, that is a song title, Somebody Lied.

It is about time for some elected officials, appointees and city employees to step up to the plate and perform. If not, let's get somebody who can!!!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lambchop - no tourists means no money to repair the streets.

No tourists mean no restaurants except maybe a couple of fast food ones.

No tourists means no hotels

No tourists means less jobs

No tourists means less money for everyone.

One dollar from outside (depending on the estimates) means an extra $3-$7 in our community.

Last point "tourist" does not nescessarily mean someone on vacation.

Tourists are: day trippers shopping, people spending a romantic weekend, wedding guests, conference attendees, event participants. even people driving through on their way to somewhere else are all tourists. These people are keeping Natchez in business, locals are important but without tourists Natchez would quickly become just a wide spot on the river.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(Natchez1) In my heart and conscience, i agree with you, but, my brain tells me otherwise! For 2007, on one parcel of property in Natchez, I paid a rather large tax on it to the City,County, and the School Board! If you could talk the Tax Collector into a "deal" and accept my taxes, I will donate it to the applicable parties! As in my first posting, on this article, I hope that the Board of Aldermen are reading my "lips"!

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on January 29, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rushinghjr, that is a generous offer but you and I both know that the funds would be (sooner or later) diverted to other pet projects!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gemccull,

Natchez politicians have not helped Natchez. You are right lots of money is wasted. Often the first thing a politician does is raise taxes or fees. This is often counterproductive, it discourages investment or visitors if we are more expensive than other destinations.

The problem Natchez now has is that lots of money was spent on "build it they will come" this only works in the movies if noone knows its there they won't come.

Spending money on the convention center that was used on promotions severely damaged Natchez. An attempt to replace the loss of revenue from the Hamburger taxes, was made with a new tax on bus tourists, this tax made Natchez much more expensive for bus operators than all our competitors and was responsible for a steep decline in visitors. The bus tax unfairly targeted only one type of visitor and was opposed by all the tour companies. Busses simply stopped coming. Mayor West did end the bus tax but the busses have not yet returned in great numbers.

The hotel and restaurant tax is proposed by many people in the Hotel and Restaurant industry. This money if used correctly means more tourists and higher occupancy rates for hotels. Higher occupancy will lower hotel prices. Lower prices will increase occupancy and increase promotion revenue. More money for promotion will increase tourism even more.

No one wants higher taxes but we are stuck with no money for promotion and high overheads and debt repayment on all the new tourist buildings.

Natchez is an expensive place to visit at the moment because the hotels have less than a 50% occupancy rate. The overheads are fairly fixed as you need to pay; taxes, insurance, electric bills, maintenance expenses, and employ staff, full hotels spread this cost better.

If Natchez becomes a must see destination again and all the hotels become full, then prices will rise again, until new people build new hotels and increase competition again.

Lets dream that dream --- Imagine all the people - oh I would love a real parking and traffic problem!

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on January 29, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see, Econ 101, you can only charge what the market will bear. If the occupancy rate was 80-95%, I could understand about high priced rooms. I figure they are scrambling to get the 50%.

Just think what is going to happen when the new motels/hotels come one line. Somebody is going out of business. That's not all bad.

It irks me that the citizens of Natchez are taxed to support the hotel industry and restaurants industry.

Just so I get on last jab, what about all the rherotic about the new businesses coming into Natchez from our elected officials. Just think about how incompetent our elected office appear and you want me to give them more money to (expletive) off. No, thank you.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So lets all take a moment and list what public services we are willing to cut in order to save the city some money.

Folks, what are your suggestions?

My suggestions: Eliminate street sweeping and mowing grass in public areas throughout the city and let volunteers and students take it over. Eliminate public housing subsidies for all but Seniors and the physically/mentally handicapped.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gemccull, you are right that you can only charge what the market will bear. We still have people who will pay a high price to stay in Natchez. Many more choose to go elsewhere either because of cost or because they see no promotion for Natchez.

The Hotels are scrambling to get 50% but the room price is based on the overhead cost and the income. It is a viscious circle low numbers result in higher costs for those who come. Econ 101 normally would mean lower prices to attract more people - but ironically with no money to promote the low prices we rely on the few devotees of Natchez and make them pay more for less.

The citizens of Natchez are not being taxed to support the Hotels but they do contribute to promote Natchez when they eat out. This is the norm when you eat out in virtually any city in the world.

If you want to complain about the Natchez politicians maybe look at all the money spent trying to recuit Industry. The EDA has spent millions and attracted no industry in years. Huge money has been spent to entice often shady prospects with only a slim chances of creating any new jobs; Venco, US Sustainable, Rentech? and some others.

It is much easier to grow aand retain a business than to attract new ones. Tourism can be revived I.P. Armstrong Tires, and Johns Manville have gone forever. Let's not let the tourism industry die too.

Roberth I assume you are not being serious??? The few volunteers Natchez has are all pushing 80. I don't think they are going to get out and mow Duncan Park, the Natchez Bluff or the medians!

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well partially facetious. But why not get high school age kids who are doing nothing all day in the summer to take this on. Why shouldn't the do this as an annual commmunity service requirement for HS graduation.

Public responsibilty has to be instilled in young people. Also, why don't the garden clubs take on the Bluff beautification as their project? Who better but gardeners to do it?

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgot to add, there MUST be cuts in government spending. Something has to give. We as a community need to get our heads around this before we go off a cliff.

I say cut cut cut--all puns intended.

Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yes public safety must come first but thats not what our elected city officals are telling us they say bring more people so they can buy dope and get robbed wake up city of natchez THE SUPERVISORS SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT A PUBLIC SAFETY LOOKS LIKE A MUST FOR THEM its election time get some new city officials like we have in the county SAFET FIRST LADIES AND GENTLEMEN SPEND TAX MONEY FOR SOMETHING LIKE RAISES FOR POLICE AND FIREMAN THEY COUNTY DOESN'T HAVE A PROBLEM JUST A THOUGHT

Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez must be located on the edge of the "Outer Limits"!!!! Everyone on here seems to agree the city has no money but just a few short months ago some thought it was time to build a sports complex. This tax will not effect me, I sleep at home and my meals come from my stove. I wish all taxes were this fair. I have no children in school why do I pay school tax? I don't live in the county why do I pay county taxes? This is a pay if you use it tax and I wish all taxes worked this way.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

beammeupscotty, that is called a VAT or Value Added Tax and it is what Europe uses. They don't have income tax in Europe. You only pay tax on what you buy.

Some say that is regressive since the poor would be more affected since they don't pay income tax now, but you could exempt things like fresh food and medication.

I am not a fan only because I like my mortgage interest deduction off my annual taxes.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Roberth - believe me Europe has an income tax too! VAT in the UK is currently 17.5% on all sales and services - it is included in the price on the shelves so it is not seen as much.

UK has PAYE - "pay as you go" income tax currently in 2 bands 20% and 40%. (Before Maggie Thatcher the top rate of income tax was 95%. ) It also has an employers contribution.
They also pay higher taxes on vehicles, gas (petrol), road tax, beer, wine and cigarettes, and even a tax to watch T.V.

The Eupropean taxes would make the average American revolt. UK does have National Health and inexpensive college. They pay dearly for it though!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Roberth - you are also right that children need to be encouraged to volunteer. This is an important life lesson, that not enough people teach. More people should be involved in the Scouts, the mayor's youth council or church groups. I know many are and they should be recognised.

Posted by outoftowner (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again those few in Natchez think they are doing the best thing for everyone. More TAXES will fix our problem. I agree Tourism is a huge contributor to the economy of Natchez, but its minimum wage jobs do not benefit anyone but the business owners. I keep reading the tax will only affect the tourists. Where do the people of Natchez eat? The local restaurants, where else do they go. I do not care if it is a $.05 on $10; you are still taxing the people of Natchez. I lived in Natchez for 39 years and Natchez has slowly soured into what it is today. Everyone thought International Paper would always be there to meet the tax needs of Natchez. Well it is gone and Natchez has not recovered from the lost taxes. Then the gaming boat arrived and oh how it was the answer to our prayers. But, the thing about the boat, every dime goes out of the city. Yes they may pay some tax dollars to the city, but that nothing compared to the money they are sending away. I no longer live in Natchez due to the fact it politicians cannot get anything done. I think the people of Natchez would be more inclined to pay taxes if there was a full funded police department and road were improved. But neither of these will happen. If I were a tourist I would not come to Natchez due to the crime rate the city has experience as of lately. I read the Democrat everyday to see what is happening in my hometown. It is really a shame the city wants to raise taxes on minimum wage employees. Other than the big money of a few, most people are trying to make a living and the politicians want to take the little money they have. Shame on you Natchez.

Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What if the money from the hotel & resaurant tax went into law enforcement and streets? Would some feel differently? if so, implement through the process some higher millages so more money can be collected. then see to it that it is spent where needed. Then those who benefit pay as the system is designed. More taxes on hotel & restaurant is negligible or minimal impact on residents.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Outoftowner, don't the jobs benefit the people who have them as well as the employers? Many tourism jobs pay above minimum wage. In fact even in Natchez very few people will work for the minimum. I have never paid anyone less than $2-3 above the minimum wage.
Yes everyone who eats at a restaurant will pay a little more. If they drove to most other towns they would pay similar or higher taxes on food plus the expense of getting there.

The crime rate in Natchez is still low, but any increase is a worry.

Casinos can harm people, and many have been harmed. Casinos do employ many and they provide good benefits. Most casinos also bar employees from gaming at their place of work. The fact that the casinos are owned by "out of towners" is a common complaint, that could be leveled at any corporation that is not located in Natchez.

This proposed increase in "tourism" taxes is the best hope for the future of Natchez. Yes it will make it a slightly more expensive destination, but most people won't notice it.

If a few pennies on a meal can provide an extra half a million dollars to promote Natchez, it should be done. There is no other way to find the money, Natchez does not have any extra in the city budget and we can't un-build the convention center or the inter-modal center. The buildings exist and we have to make them benefit Natchez.

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dangyankee - maybe some of these lawyers with backlogs should realize a well paid and greatly skilled legal secretary could help them make more money!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 1:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dangyankee, you are wrong that nobody under 60 cares about history, I know many who do, and many many people care about architecture and design. Natchez is also fortunate that it appeals to a better educated and afluent cliental.

You are right that the marketing plan is important and in the past money was invested poorly. The new hotels have been built by some people with extensive marketing and promotions background and with their input the extra money should be spent well.

I am sure some people do offer minimum wage, and sadly some people in Natchez are not able to justify that. Normally an employee has to generate about 3 times their pay to be economically viable. As you have noted some fast food places have better employees, a good employer will reward good employees. I often notice when I get good service at a local restaurant that employee soon gets another job at a restaurant where service is important and the pay and tips are better.

A good employer will pay their employees what they are worth, not what he can get away with.

It is difficult to make a living in Natchez, the employers are often not rich and struggle to stay in business. Just because they may live in an large old family home does not make them rich either.

I am not from Natchez, but I want to see it grow and prosper.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 2:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I won't mind paying a nickel more for a $10/meal, maybe that would help us eat out less. And if I ever stay in one of the new hotels, I won't mind paying the extra tax...I usually have to pay it out of town on a room. And if I could get a job at one of them making minimum wage, well...that'd be more than I'm making now!

I wouldn't mind paying less realestate tax, less for insurance, and less for car tags, etc...these are the major things that affect my pocketbook.

dang, I don't think Natchez wants to be the new Vegas on the river, but more so, like the old Natchez Under the Hill with gambling on the river like back in the olden days when Natchez was famous for just that.

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

if the current rate is 8.5% (8.5 cents per dollar), where's the other 0.5 cent go, as we don't circulate the half-penny?

if every other town is charging 10% taxes that "no one even notices", then go the opposite direction:

come see natchez where the taxes on tourists, the people we WANT to come visit our town, are low as you are appreciated for visiting our restaurants and hotels.

i paid 23% in car rental taxes on a vacation. i noticed it, and never flew back to that town.

higher taxes have yet to solve any problem. "promoting" one's town on the very back of those who are supporting it in the first place is odd.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How many of you have been to Disney World in Orlando?

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You go anywhere and stay in a nice hotel, you get hit with taxes like this

This is not more property tax, or any tax that locals will pay.

I think it's a good idea. But I do think our property taxes, and vehicle tag fees (a type of tax for using the roads) are too high. To pay over $1000 a year for a new car tag really hurts car sales I'm sure. Our taxes are ridiculously high considering the services we get in return.

Many cities include a sports tax on hotels to use for building recreational facilities, why not Natchez?

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

But I am against the food and beverage increase, 8.5% is already enough, but the hotel tax is ok with me. The food and beverage tax increase will hurt local businesses because it will cause locals to go out and eat LESS. And of course collecting the tax is a problem, most of food and beverage is paid in cash, a lot of that cash tax will not be passed on, so it's foolish to think that tax will do much good.

Posted by BRL (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If everyone else charges 10 percent, then so should we. That is the price of promoting yourself. Natchez is southwest Mississippi's regional center on the river. If you want to save some money, why not for now just put the tax on lodging. BTW, a while back someone mentioned that an interstate was in the planning to come through here. I think it was I14. Anybody remember that post and some info on I14?

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if the current rate is 8.5% (8.5 cents per dollar), where's the other 0.5 cent go, as we don't circulate the half-penny?

Anyone know?

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Niderbip - you just round up or down to the nearest dollar on the state tax form.

$10.00 meal + tax currently at 8.5% = $ 10.85

plan to raise the tax rate to 9% = $10.90

(State tax commission does not take change so you actually round up or down on the monthly statement so if you only sold 1 meal you would send them a whole dollar!)

Posted by brod (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why not have the Historic Natchez Foundation get T-shirts and pullovers printed with the logo "Ask me about Natchez" or "Follow me to Natchez". Some of you will think this is stupid and corny, but it works. A friend of mine and I went on vacation together and we wore T-shirts advertising her B&B. I can't tell you how many people wanted to know where it was and how to get there. That was three years ago and so many of them, on the excursion with us, have visited and plan to return.

On another note...The casinos will bring more people to Natchez and they will do more than gamble, they will tour, they will shop, and they will eat out.

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if i'm charged $1.00, taxed at a rate of 8.5%, pay with a dollar bill and a dime, how much change do i receive?

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Ok a few points, the additional tax on food is not 5% it is currently 1.5% and it will rise (hopefully) to 2% a 0.05% increase i.e. an extra 5 cents on $10.00 meal."

it is not a 0.05% increase, it's actually a 33% increase in the tax rate.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Niderbip - don't say it that way it would cause a revolt!
And stop any chance of it passing!

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"don't say it that way"...???? You're kidding, aren't you?

How would you prefer i say it?

0.5/1.5 = .3333333 = 33% increase over the current tax rate. Let's hope someone does the math.

And "This proposed increase in "tourism" taxes is the best hope for the future of Natchez"? I'd hate to think the future of this town hinges on a tax increase. If it does, heaven help us.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I did check your math - I agree.

a nickle on a $10.00 meal sounds harmless - a 33% tax increase sounds like insanity.

The problem is tourism is declining because of lack of promotion.
Promotion requires money. The city does not have enough as it has big debt service. The money that should be spent on promotion was spent on bricks and mortar. (And the loans to repay it.)

Tourism is important, it is a major industry in Natchez, it may be bigger than medical (thought to be the number one)

I wish we lived in a perfect world and we did not need this tax increase, but we do. This tax is the least painless way of providing much needed money for advertising.

Someone also mentioned why don't the businesses pay for the promotion themselves. Most do, and we have pooled advertizing money to do some major ads. The problem is most of the tourism related businesses can't afford to spend more, especially when the number of tourists are so low.

This new money with other money from the new hotels and casinos will help make the Natchez promotion budget competitive. We will still have less funds than other larger destinations but we actually have more to offer in Natchez than Jackson, Oxford or many others.

The half million this tax will generate (in the first year) should start to re-prime the tourism pump. Happy tourists returning home are the best promoters of all.

As a Republican (most of the time) I hate to be fighting for a new tax

Please support this tax!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a Republican, since birth , I'm still against it!

Posted by wonderingirl (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember when a Supervisor made a trip to L.A. to promote Natchez to the film industry? People complained because they felt like their taxes had paid for a vacation. The trip was defended as he had so many connections in L.A. and Natchez should be grateful that he could market Natchez to them. I don't remember reading of any new movies coming and said supervisor was not re-elected. What did the taxpayers get for the money? What is considered viable marketing?

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sammy's Trip, was of marginable benefit. I understand he later paid for much of the trip. Soon after 2 small movies were filmed here. I have no idea if "Sammy goes to Hollywood" had anything to do with them. I will be nice and give him the benefit of the doubt.

Movies do bring money to Natchez, they pay some extras, they hire local carpenters and assistants and they stay in hotels, eat well and even rent or buy set decorations. Movies made here also help promote Natchez, movies are good for Natchez. You also get the fringe benefits of seeing celebrities in Natchez. I have met many celebrities in Natchez and when I lived in a major city I never met any.

FYI - the First Baptist church was used for the filming of "Ghosts of Mississippi" in 1996. The interior was used for Medgar Evers' church. Alec Baldwin, James Woods Kim Basinger, and Rob Reiner, were all here for that movie.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sammy's trip also would not have been paid for out of the Hamburger tax fund. Supervisors have a travel budget for trying to recuit industry. The hamburger taxes pay for the debt on the Convention center and Visitor center and its staff.

After they are paid about $150,000 is left over. This is used for advertising, in print, T.V. and Radio.

$150,000 does not go far -----

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FYI - James Pickens Jr. played Medgar - Very Good movie - scenes also filmed at Monmouth.

If you watch the movie FBC is shown on a black and White T.V.
This was maybe a year before the downtown torado that damaged the roof.

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 31, 2008 at 5:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

they should at least have the guts to state the correct data, even if the number sounds insane; it is what it is. it may be a great way to finance some ads, but bear in mind you'll eventually have another group that says "it's just a penny", we need it too.....and over and over.

10% probably isn't too far off.

any what happens to that half-cent, right now, when the tax on a dollar is 8.5 cents? you can't pay EXACTLY $1.085, but rather $1.09.

no one has yet to say.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 31, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Business pays all tax collected to the state. When we pay the MS States Tax Commission we actually round up or down to the nearest dollar. That + or - up to 49 cents each month basically balances out. Some times the tax man wins sometimes the business.

The extra .003 etc. also gets rounded up or down by the business. It is not like a bank where the extra .00's actually could be counted and diverted as they don't round up to the nearest cent.

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 31, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if i am charged one dollar,taxed at 8.5%, hand them a dollar bill and a dime,

how much change am i returned???

Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on January 31, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm not talking what's the business pay the State, either. how much change is given to the INDIVIDUAL??

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When this so-called tax comes up for the referral by the Board of Aldermen on Feb. 12, I'm interested to see how each member votes, especially Middleton, since he running for Mayor now!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 28, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Since the vote has finally taken, the taxpayers of The City of Natchez now see where you Aldermen voted for the TAX INCREASE! All voted for it! Don't let them tell you that they are against taxes?