Gainesboro Approves First Reading On Occupancy Tax

An ordinance that would bring a four percent tax to Gainesboro Air BnBs has passed on first reading.

Mayor Lloyd Williams said a portion would be used to help fund the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts.

“With Gainesboro growing the way it is, we’re getting more and more Air BnBs and bed and breakfasts, so we thought this tax money could be used for tourism funds to help promote our county a little bit better. That’s what we’re going to try to use the tax for.”

Williams said the city’s planning committee modeled the tax after Jackson County’s ordinance. Williams said bed and breakfast lodging has grown in Gainesboro with about five in the city limits.

“We (had) a grand opening for a new one on Saturday right there in town,” Williams said. “People have been asking and interested in land to start some.”

Williams said during a recent Board of Aldermen meeting that lodging located within the city and county would be doubled tax. Jackson County also charges four percent. The ordinance would need to pass once more before implementation.

“We kind of followed their lead on theirs and based it off what they’re doing,” Williams said.