Richland Council to Consider Hospitality Tax Plan

Richland County Council will revisit a debate over the use of money generated by the hospitality tax at a special meeting Wednesday.

Chairman Kelvin Washington proposes allocating revenue from the hospitality tax to build six unspecified projects totaling $44 million over the next 25 years to help drive tourists to the county.

The county would borrow the money and repay the debt through hospitality tax revenue. 

Washington's proposal could mean budget cuts for three local attractions: the Columbia Museum of Art, Historic Columbia Foundation and EdVenture Children’s Museum.

Those organizations say their services would suffer if the budget reductions were approved.

Council meets today at 6 p.m. at the Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton Street. 

A budget work session to discuss hospitality and accommodations taxes will be held prior to the called meeting at 4 p.m. 

See the full agenda by clicking here or view the attached document.