Fayetteville’s hotel, motel and restaurant (HMR) tax receipts saw another record-high month this year compared to the same months in past years.
A&P receipts reported in October were $241,017, a 12.3 percent increase over the same month last year.
Marilyn Heifner, executive director of the A&P Commission, said HMR sales in September were the highest they’ve ever been in Fayetteville. There were three Razorback home football games in September – Jacksonville State, Alabama, and Rutgers – plus the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ motorcyle rally.
Overall 2012 collections are at $2,103,155 which is an 11 percent increase on the year.
Below is a graph showing 2012 vs. 2011 numbers and a table representing HMR tax collections for the past five years in Fayetteville.
Note: The figures discussed in this post reflect the A&P Commission’s half of the 2 percent tax on hotel and motel stays and food purchases in restaurants. The October report represents September sales.
A&P Funds
Legislation created the Advertising and Promotion Commission in 1977 with the passage of the Hotel, Motel, Restaurant (HMR) tax in Fayetteville. The 2 percent tax is split equally between the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the A&P Commission. The parks money is used for parks maintenance, operations and for capital improvements. The self-reported numbers do not include retail or liquor sales.
» See recent collection totals
By state legislation, all HMR funds shall be used:
1. for advertising and promoting the city and its environs
2. for the construction, reconstruction, equipment, improvement, maintenance, repair, and operation of a convention center
3. for the operation of tourist promotion facilities in the city
4. for personnel and agencies necessary to conduct the business of the A & P commission
HMR funds can also be used for:
1. for funding the arts
2. for operation of tourist-oriented facilities
3. for construction, reconstruction, repair, maintenance, improvement, equipping and operation of public recreation facilities and for the payment of bonds.
Taxes shall not be used for:
1. general capital improvements within the city
2. costs associated with general operation of the city
3. general subsidy of any civic group or chamber of commerce
Source: Arkansas Code / § 26-75-606 – Use of funds collected
This is wonderful! And, don’t forget other events that brought people into town, like OFFSHOOT FILM FEST and WORLD POETRY SLAM.
Obviously paid parking is responsible for keeping these numbers down in 2012, bah ha ha.