A sportsplex capable of hosting traveling sports tournaments, regional meets and other large sporting events has been a wishlist item for elected officials from Meridian, Marion and Lauderdale County for years. Now, a bill in the state Legislature will give voters the chance to weigh in on a new tax on hotel and motel stays to fund a sportsplex’s construction.
Senate Bill 3139, which was introduced by Sen. Jeff Tate, who represents part of Lauderdale County, authorizes the county to collect an additional $5 tax on hotel and motel rooms if voters agree. Rep. Billy Adam Calvert has introduced House Bill 4091, which serves as the House version of the same bill.
The $5 tax would only apply to rooms used in overnight stays and would not be charged for the use of conference rooms or other day-use rental facilities. The county already has a 2.5% tax on hotel and motel rooms which is used to fund Lauderdale County Tourism.
The new tax will not apply to purchases other than hotel and motel stays.
If passed by the Legislature, the issue will be added to the November general election ballot for voters to either approve or reject the new tax. The tax will only go into effect if at least 60% of voters agree to its creation.
The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors in March passed a resolution supporting the bill and the funding mechanism it will create.
While the legislation is mostly county-led, the creation of a sportsplex has also been an ongoing topic of discussion among officials from the city of Meridian and town of Marion as well. In a March work session of the City Council, Parks and Recreation Director Thomas Adams said he would like to see a sportsplex that can accommodate a variety of sports.
Elected officials from all three governments agree that the area is missing out on a lot of potential visitors and the economic impact they bring with them by not having a facility that can host larger sporting events. Many Lauderdale County families compete in travel ball leagues including some elected officials, and they have seen firsthand the revenue larger tournaments bring.
SB3159 has been referred to the Senate Local and Private committee, of which Tate is a member, and the Senate Finance committee for review. It will need to receive three fifths, or 32 votes, in the full Senate to pass.
HB4091 has been referred to the House Ways and Means committee and Local and Private Legislation committee. If brought before the House for a vote, it too will need a three fifths majority to pass.