DeSoto County mayors seek share of tourism tax, CVB Board representation
Photo: Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams states the case for more tourism tax money and city CVB board representation to the Board of Directors Thursday. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – Mayors from across DeSoto County appeared before the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors Thursday to formally request a significant overhaul of how tourism tax revenue is distributed and how the board itself is governed.
Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams, serving as the primary spokesperson for the group, proposed that 50 percent of the tourism tax revenue generated within a city’s limits be returned to that municipality for local tourism and quality-of-life investments. Currently, the bulk of these funds supports the Landers Center and the CVB’s central operations.
Joining Adams at the meeting were Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite, Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson, and Horn Lake Mayor Jimmie Stokes. Walls Mayor Keidron Henderson attended the start of the session but departed before the formal presentation.
A Plea for “Tax Equity”
The presentation centered on the concept of tax equity. Adams noted that since the 2 percent “tourism tax” on hotels and restaurants was established by a local and private bill in 1996, it has generated approximately $190 million.
“The citizens of these cities are the ones paying this tourism tax,” Adams said, noting that 80 percent of the county’s population resides within municipalities. He pointed out that in Olive Branch alone, the tax generates $4.5 million annually, with $3.8 million coming from local restaurants.
“It’s a fair question when they ask me, ‘Mayor, what do I get for that 2 percent?’” Adams told the board. “They simply should get something if they pay something.”
Proposed Board Restructuring
In addition to the revenue split, the mayors are seeking a seat at the decision-making table. The current board composition does not include direct city appointees. Adams proposed expanding the board to seven members:
- One representative from each of the five cities.
- One representative from the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors.
- One representative from the DeSoto County Economic Development Council.
Adams cited the DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority (DCRUA) as a successful model where city and county representation leads to efficient governance.
CVB Response and “Playing Ball”
CVB Board President Amy Lovorn acknowledged the request, stating the board needs time to research the legal and financial implications.
“We are willing to play ball, and we are certainly willing to further DeSoto County,” Lovorn said. She highlighted that the board is already taking steps to improve county-wide outreach, including the hiring of a new visitor bureau employee starting Feb. 1 and a request for a significant marketing budget to support all cities.
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite clarified that the mayors are not seeking to jeopardize existing financial commitments. Southaven’s supporting resolution includes a clause ensuring the proposal does not impair the CVB’s current debt obligations, such as the $38.5 million bond for Landers Center improvements.
The CVB board took the requests under advisement and is expected to provide a formal response following an internal review and legal consultation.
