Bolivar Passes "Hotel Tax"

The City of Bolivar passed a four percent tax on hotel rooms, Air B&Bs, and short term rentals on September 11, saying it could net between 25-30 thousand dollars per year for the city from people staying in the properties. The only stipulation is that money realized from the tax would have to be spent on tourism.

Only councilwoman Caroline Miller voiced opposition to the idea, saying that affordable housing, not tourism money, is what the city needs and that higher rates in hotels would make things tighter for long term hotel residents.

“Most hotel people are residents, not visitors,” she said. “This will hurt the most vulnerable people.”

A quick survey of the Aristocrat, the Bolivar Inn, and the Travelers Inn on September 12 found that less than 10 rooms are occupied by long-term residents and none of the three encourage the practice. Apart from the hotels, the taxes would be also paid by people staying in short-term rentals such as Air B&Bs.

Miller added she didn’t feel like visitors to Bolivar would be potential hotel customers anyway and that she doesn’t refer visitors to any of the three hotels.

“I’m not comfortable sending people to Bolivar hotels. When we have visitors, we send them to Jackson or Memphis,” she said.

Councilman Chris Williams pointed out that the taxes wouldn’t amount to much, saying that the tax on a $45 night would “only be $1.80,” and if “someone has $45 they would have $46.”

After a bit more discussion on a measure the county has had in place for years, Councilwoman Suzanne Rhea made the motion to pass the tax and it was seconded by Williams. The measure passed, 5-3, with Councilmen Todd Lowe, Tommy Woods, and Melvin Golden joining Rhea and Williams in voting yes, while Mike Brown, Larry McKinnie, and Miller voted no.

City of Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic said the tax would take effect in the near future.