Oxford City Council considers lodging tax increase

OXFORD, AL (WBRC) - The city council of Oxford is expected to vote on a two percent lodging tax in a few weeks.

Half of that tax would go toward the new East Metro Area Crime Center that multiple law enforcement agencies would use. It is currently being built next to Oxford city hall.

The other half would go to promote tourism in the area. Some of that money would advertise the city and its many hotels.

And some of it would specifically be used to attract events to the city's venues.

"We currently have a lot of events, wanting to come to Choccolocco Park," says Mayor Alton Craft. "Usually when they come to Choccolocco Park or to the Civic Center, they want money up front, somewhere between--anywhere between 25 to 80 thousand dollars, to put on the event."

The council was expected to vote on the tax at its most recent council meeting, but postponed it until January to reword part of the ordinance.

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