Crossville Seeking 3-Percent Hotel-Motel Tax

The Crossville City Council will soon be asking state lawmakers to allow the city to instate a 3-percent hotel-motel tax to be earmarked for economic development and tourism funding.

During a special-called meeting yesterday City Attorney Will Ridley said a state law would need to be amended in order for that to happen because Cumberland County already has a 5-percent hotel-motel tax.

“What you’re asking is not only that we have a charter change, but that the state to amend that law to make an exception for Crossville based on our population and our need for this additional tax,” Ridley said.

Ridley said state lawmakers have amended that law 17 times since 1988 and six times last year.

The city council will meet Thursday for another special-called meeting to vote on second reading of the resolution. Once that happens, it will be sent to Nashville for consideration.