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
Any city share of revenue collected above $1.2 million each year will be invested into sidewalks, bike trails and multi-use paths, with a specific focus on:
- S 40th Avenue
- Westover Drive
- E 7th Street
- Quinn Street
- Edwards Street
- N 31st Avenue
- S 17th Avenue
Effective June 1, 2019, the funding is in effect until June 30, 2022. To extend the tax, both the City Council and the Mississippi Legislature have to approve a four-year extension.