More Funding Roadblocks for Halls of Fame, Douglass Theatre

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Lobbyists for the hotel industry are fighting plans to use money from a special hotel-motel tax and it could have a critical impact on Macon's tourism industry.

"What its done is united the delegation," said Representative Allen Peake.  "We are committed to fighting the CVB association to get this bill done."

Local legislators want to raise the hotel motel tax by one percent to keep Macon's museums afloat.  The extra $300,000 dollars in annual tax revenue would be split three ways: to the Sports Hall of Fame, Music Hall of Fame, and the Douglass Theatre.  

"The hotel-motel tax is one of the most significant things that could help us right now," said the Executive Director of the Georgia Sport's Hall of Fame, Jacquelyn DeCell.  "So, I'm expecting our city fathers, our county fathers, our local delegation to do what they have to do...to keep these museums open."

Lobbyists for Georgia's Convention and Visitor's Bureau are opposing the plan, and say  if Macon uses the tax money for the halls of fame, it could create a loophole in which other cities could use the money at their own discretion.  In a phone interview, a lobbyist for Georgia's Hotel and Lodging association, Ron Fennel said, "The purpose of the hotel-motel tax is to promote the destination.  Not to fund facilities."

The Executive Director of Georgia's Sports Hall of Fame says if museums don't get the funds, the Visitor's Bureau won't have anything to market because the halls of fame "will be closed."

One possible lifeline could come in the form of House Bill 1049.  If it passes, 10 percent of money generated from a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax could be used to fund arts programs.  But, it is still in the planning stages and local leaders aren't banking on the $3 million dollars it could generate for area museums.

"You never know if it's gonna pass," said Representative Allen Peake.  " If it doesn't, then we're sunk."