Pascagoula Restaurant Tax is Approved

The restaurant tax increase proposal is a go for Pascagoula. Some residents feel the two percent hike may take a bite out of their wallets.
The box is checked for Pascagoula residents to see a two percent tax increase on their restaurant bill, but not all residents are happy about forking over the extra cash. Pascagoula resident Willa Witchen said, “It will make a difference when you do go out a lot and eat and I’m not too sure what they’re going to use the money for.”
The extra money will go toward improving arts and recreation facilities in Pascagoula. This is something Pascagoula resident David Futch feels is much needed. With a seven-year-old boy involved in sports, Futch made sure to support the referendum. “We go to Ocean Springs. They’ve got top facilities. We go to Gulfport. They’ve got top facilities. Come to Pascagoula. We need top facilities.”
But will the money stay there? That’s another concern among residents. “Even though they say recreation, it might end up somewhere else. You never know. That was one of my reasons for not voting for it,” said Witchen.
Director of Parks and Recreation Darcie Crew tells News 25 the money raised from the tax increase will not be used for any other city project other than the ones planned for arts and recreation. “Improving our athletic facilities is one of the top items on the list. Adding to our skate park is another item on our list, general improvements to our parks and restrooms.”
This is not the first time Pascagoula voters had the two percent tax increase on their menu. Back in August, 56 percent of voters supported the increase. This time the proposal had just one percent over the 60 percent needed to pass. “It is important for our families and our children but it’s also going to bring more visitors to our community that can continue to support economic developments,” said Crew.
The tax increase goes into effect December 1st.