Dedicates state sales tax revenues collected from the furnishing of hotel rooms in Rapides Parish located outside the city of Alexandria to the Rapides Parish Coliseum Fund (OR -$35,000 GF RV See Note)
The enactment of HB 115 would redistribute sales tax revenue that is currently allocated to the Alexandria/Pineville Exhibition Hall Fund, redirecting it towards the Coliseum Fund in Rapides Parish. This change is intended to enhance the financial viability of the Coliseum, which plays a crucial role in hosting events and activities that contribute to local economic development. Consequently, it could stimulate economic activity by attracting more visitors and events to the area outside the city.
House Bill 115, proposed by Representative Dixon, aims to dedicate a portion of the state sales tax collected from the furnishing of hotel rooms in Rapides Parish, specifically in areas outside the city of Alexandria. This legislation seeks to allocate these funds directly into the Rapides Parish Coliseum Fund. The goal is to support expenses related to the Rapides Parish Coliseum, thereby providing financial resources for local events and operations that rely on this venue. The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 2014.
The sentiment surrounding HB 115 appears to be largely positive among its proponents, who argue that it provides necessary funding for local tourism and event management. Supporters believe that increasing financial support for the Rapides Parish Coliseum will have beneficial knock-on effects for the local economy, promoting growth and stability. However, any opposition or contention specifically related to the bill has not been documented in the provided snippets, suggesting a general consensus on its merit.
While no significant points of contention were highlighted in the available discussions, it's essential to note that changes in tax allocation can lead to debates over funding priorities. Critics could potentially express concerns regarding the impact of redirecting sales tax revenue from the Alexandria Exhibition Hall Fund, arguing that it may affect the event capacity or services provided by that venue. Nonetheless, the primary focus of HB 115 is on bolstering the financial resources of the Rapides Parish Coliseum.