Marion resident advocates for increase in city’s hotel tax

Tax increase would benefit city parks and not affect residents

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Raymond Whiteside, a Marion resident and advocate for city parks, is pushing for an increase in the hotel tax in Marion to benefit local parks. Currently, the hotel and food tax in Marion is 1 percent, with the revenue going towards city parks and advertising. Whiteside is proposing to raise the hotel tax to 3 percent, while leaving the food tax untouched as it would affect local restaurants and residents who dine at them.

“I’m pushing for the hotel tax because it will not affect local residents at all,” says Whiteside, “Most cities the size of Marion already have a 3 percent tax or more and many even charge 5 to 8 percent. I don’t feel that raising it 2 percent is going to prevent anyone from stopping and staying in Marion.”

Whiteside believes that increasing the hotel tax could generate an estimated $300,000 or more a year, with the majority of the revenue going towards the parks department. This increase in funding could potentially double the parks department’s budget, allowing for improvements and expansions to existing parks.

A petition started by Whiteside will need 476 signatures from Marion residents and registered voters. The petition aims to put the proposed increase in the hotel tax on the ballot in November. So far, the petition has garnered nearly 200 signatures, with the goal of reaching the required number of signatures by September 1.

Raymond, who lives in the Delta Acres neighborhood, has been advocating for more parks in Marion, especially in areas like the Angelos Grove neighborhood where there is a lack of green spaces and recreational facilities. He hopes that the increased revenue from the hotel tax will help address these issues and provide much-needed amenities for residents.

Despite some resistance from the city council, Whiteside remains determined to push for the increase in the hotel tax, emphasizing that Marion’s current tax rate is lower than neighboring cities like West Memphis, where the hotel tax is already set at 3 percent across the board.

Ultimately, he feels that the proposed increase in the hotel tax will not only benefit the city’s parks but also attract more visitors to Marion, boosting the local economy. With the support of the community, he is confident that the initiative will be successful in the upcoming ballot.

Anyone wishing to sign

See HOTEL TAX, page A3 HOTEL TAX

From page A1

the petition or learn more about it may do so on their Facebook page Marion Hotel Tax/Better City Parks Amendment or stop by Re-Max at 363 Military Rd in Marion.