(The Center Square) — Hosston Mayor Kim James addressed the controversy surrounding the proposed sales tax for a business in Caddo Parish at Thursday’s Caddo Parish Commission meeting.
“The extra 2% sales tax that’s being asked to pass, it has no effect on the citizens of Hosston or anybody in Caddo Parish,” explained James. “Only the people that are going to be buying from that truck stop.”
The president of Edgemont, the company involved, contacted James previously about potentially building the travel plaza gas station in the town. James noted that up until that point, Hosston did not even have a sales tax in place making the project unattainable as they didn’t have the funding to move forward.
“Recognizing the potential benefits of this development, we promptly took action by implementing a sales tax and initiating an annexation of the property,” James said.
After numerous meetings, the town agreed to provide water to the truck stop plaza. According to James, the new infrastructure is very important to the town as they had little franchise and no sales tax revenue. Since implementing the sales tax, more than $92,800 has been collected.
James urged the council to honor their commitment to uphold the tax as it presents a significant economic opportunity to the community. She fears if the committee does not uphold their end of the agreement, it could prevent other big businesses from coming to do business in the area.
In previous council meetings, members were divided on the ordinance. Commissioner Victor Thomas advocated for the tax, expressing it was important not to carry over a debt burden across 10 years and two administrations.
Commissioner Chris Kracman was opposed as he urged the council that this tax directly affects his district and the citizens. Kracman said that the gas station is the only one citizens can go to. Public Attorney Donna Frazier said the tax would greatly benefit the parish.
Commissioner Steffon Jones wanted to clarify the mayor’s stance on the tax during the meeting, to which she responded that while she is not for taxing the citizens, she does support the tax specifically at the truck stop.
The current sales tax, according to Kracman, at the truck stop is 10.6%, which would increase to 12.6% if the tax passed.
