3.2.3 Hotel Tax Revenue: The current ordinance sets hotel tax fees at 7 percent of taxable hotel revenue. Over the past five years, revenues in this category have bounced around in the $900K-$1M range. They took a pandemic-related hit in FY 2020, but rebounded in FY 2021 and increased further in FY 2022 . Sources of uncertainty include COVID resurgence (with its concomitant travel restrictions) and the effects of a post-COVID recession or inflation, with impacts on discretionary spending (such as vacations) or business travel. Conservative planning dictates small future budget increases, around 1% annually, although a boost could come if an additional hotel is constructed down the road.
3.3 Municipal Court Revenue: The DeSoto Municipal Court is a leader in adapting new technologies and unique approaches to citizen services. For example, video conferencing is now an option for defendants to attend court online instead of travelling to the court . Revenues from fines and court costs have been trending downward in recent years due to less aggressive enforcement policies combined with the effects of COVID. Revenues are expected to remain flat for the foreseeable future.
ToC
117
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker