Bonds may back USM plan

Sales taxes would rise 1 percent, may fund facilities, athletic upgrades

By Nikki Davis Maute
American Staff Writer

Hattiesburg residents may get to vote on raising the city's sales tax by 1 percent to fund work on projects that range from renovating police and fire stations to building a new sports complex for Hattiesburg High School.

The proposal also might provide a back-up plan for a bill providing up to $12 million needed by the University of Southern Mississippi to upgrade athletic facilities.

The exact amount of the bond issue and the projects that would be included in local and private legislation will be determined by an advisory committee appointed by Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree.

"This is something I've been meeting with people on for several weeks," DuPree said Tuesday. "I know that USM has its own proposal in the Legislature, but this could be a backup if that fails."

DuPree's bill - if it makes it through the Legislature - would require 60 percent voter approval. The bill would exempt groceries and drugs from the additional tax.

The statewide sales tax rate is 7 percent. There is a special 2 percent tax in Hattiesburg on motels, food and beverages for the convention center and to promote tourism. The bill would include language that ends the proposed tax when the bonds are paid for.

"This would give us the opportunity to provide for the things we sorely need and allow us to set our future for the next 10 to 15 years," DuPree said.

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