What is the response from the public to a possible Hospitality Tax in West Columbia?

About 30 people- including city officials- showed up for an informational session at city hall, Wednesday.

LINK: Chamber Board requests Hospitality Fee study- Initial Story

West Columbia City Administrator Brian Carter explained some of the details of the 2% tax that would be assessed on prepared foods if it’s adopted by city council. And then he asked those attending to mark projects – listed on sheets tacked to the walls- they’d like to see developed if a hospitality tax were implemented.

Gregg Pinner, president of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce said the business community has expressed support for the tax because of the positive projects that could be funded with it. It would bring in an estimated $1 million a year, according to Carter. The idea for the tax came from the Chamber’s Board, that requested city officials pursue it.

Kathleen Drawdy was at the meeting Wednesday, and she said she is not in favor of the tax.

“The water rates went up last year. They are going up again. And house taxes are higher,” said Drawdy. And she said she has not seen much improvement in the City of Cayce after it implemented a Hospitality Tax.

Councilwoman Casey Hallman said she was not in favor of the Hospitality Tax at first, but once she discovered that many restaurant owners are in favor- along with the business community- she is more supportive of it. She said she will listen to her constituents- and make a decision based on the feedback she gets. Hall also said the fact that two-thirds of the restaurant clientele that would be paying the tax is from out of town is a factor that makes her more likely to be in favor.

Councilman Jimmy Brooks said he opposes the tax. He said he hopes a non-binding referendum (law does not allow for a binding referendum) could be put on the ballot for a November vote, before  council considers the tax. There will be another public session on the H-Tax, scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 13, at city hall.

Other Council members at the meeting Wednesday were: Trevor Bedell; Tem Miles; Tommy Parler;  and Teddy Wingard.