In April of 2019, the citizens of Hattiesburg voted to approve a 1% tax on hotel/motel/restaurant transactions which went into effect the following June.
This additional 1% tax revenue was expected to generate at least $2.4 million per year in funding. The total amount of new revenue is split between the City of Hattiesburg as a dedicated revenue stream for parks and recreational facilities/projects and The University of Southern Mississippi to support the renovation of Reed Green Coliseum.
Projects
The original list of 17 projects proposed for funding under this revenue include:
- Miracle League inclusion field for children with special needs
- Lighting and drainage improvements to 9th Street Ballpark
- Drainage improvements to soccer fields at Tatum Park
- Expansion of walking path at Duncan Lake
- Tennis facility improvements at Tatum Park
- Light installation at Friendship Park in East Jerusalem neighborhood
- New girls softball field at Hattiesburg High
- Chain Park amphitheater
- Refinishing of Thames Elementary gym floor for use as indoor recreation facility during non-school hours
- Splash pad at Sullivan Park in Palmers Crossing
- Tennis court installation on E 8th Street
- Property acquisition for park in Midtown
- Playground equipment upgrades at Kamper Park
- Splash pad at Timberton Park
- Renovations at old Hattiesburg American building into community arts center space
- Conversion of dilapidated and abandoned property into public green spaces, pocket parks and community gardens
- Additional blueway public access point on Leaf River
Started June 1, 2019, extended July 1, 2022, and effective until June 30, 2026. To extend the tax, both the City Council and the Mississippi Legislature have to approve a four-year extension.