(The Center Square) — In an ongoing debate on a new sales tax at a travel station in Hosston, developer and Shreveport resident James Silvio clarified the business’s intentions to the Caddo commission.
“We turned a bean field into an eight-acre facility, a 15 million investment, and we plan on growing that,” Silvio said to the council.
In last week’s meeting, Commissioner Chris Kracman mentioned the station brought in nearly $2 million, and in return, does not need the extra tax proposed as it would hurt the citizens in his district.
Silvio said during his comment that while the business may have brought in $2 million, what people don’t see is the $2.1 million it took to bring that in. He disagrees with the proposed “welfare mentality” being angled at the business’s intentions.
The company’s goal, according to Silvio, is to continue bringing money to the city of Hosston. There is an additional 8,000 square feet that can be developed, but he expressed concern over continuing business.
“I’m having second thoughts now because if Caddo Parish is not going to live up to their end of the bargain, well, it kind of sends a bad message to other developers,” Silvio said.
According to Silvio, gas at the travel station is averaging 30 cents cheaper than the gas in Myra. The company is finding suppliers to offset the 12% cost to locals, such as grocery and gas prices and other things inside the store.
“We’re trying to make a living like everybody else. We’re there to make money. It’s an investment,” Silvio said.
The developer received responses from the commission as Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts welcomed Silvio and the business to Caddo Parish.
“We are definitely open for business and whatever accommodations that need to be made through Caddo Parish Commission to make sure that you understand that Economic Development is a priority for us,” Watts said.
The proposed ordinance has brought immense debate into the commission’s session as conflicting opinions on what to do come up. Commissioner Victor Thomas, who continues to advocate for the ordinance, addressed the commission president directly.
“I found that it’s easy to sit here and govern based on your emotions, but what I’ve learned is that you get much more done when you base the actions that are placed before you on facts,” Thomas said.
When the issue was presented to the Long-Range Planning Committee, Thomas noted it was no longer a District 1 issue.
Thomas presented a quote from the Long Range Planning Committee chair, who voted against the original ordinance: “I know this is a good thing, but I have to act like I’m against this, or else it would be committing political suicide.”
The ongoing issue surrounding the proposed tax and ordinance for the travel station in Hosston continues to be addressed, as some council members are worried about the misinformation being presented. The commission seeks to bring business to this area and lay the foundation for its recognition as an economic development district.
The proposed tax in Ordinance 6523 would add a 2% sales tax at the travel station, bringing the sales tax to 12% specifically at this location.
