Tourist Commission Creates Tax Payment Plan, Discuss Marketing
Diamond Point Welcome Center (file image).
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
[email protected]
The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourist Commission is creating a payment plan for businesses that have fallen behind on tax payments. By law, the tourist commission is supported by the collection of the transient room tax and restaurant tax. At their regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the commissioners discussed creating payment plans as a way to ensure compliance with the restaurant tax collection.
Daarik Gray, executive director of the tourist commission, said some events have had to turn down vendors that are not compliant. Gray said one vendor asked about a payment plan, and he asked the board for their thoughts. Gray told the board one vendor is two to three years behind.
“They got caught up on 2024 but still owe back taxes,” Gray said. He said he’d never been asked about a payment plan before.
The vendor, whom Gray said owed approximately $2,000, said they’d been misinformed about collecting the tax. All restaurants and food trucks in Mercer County have to collect the restaurant tax, which is paid by the diners. The county offers a payment plan.
Board member Nikki Elliott suggested a contract. Treasurer Bob Gigliotti recommended requesting a 30 percent deposit up front with payments made over six months. Gray said he would confer with the tourist commission’s attorney and send drafts to board members.
The commission also discussed possibly creating a new position to market sports in the area.
