City Council Cancels Final Vote on Hospitality Tax

Goose Creek City Council members agreed Tuesday to use Thursday's special meeting regarding the proposed 2 percent hospitality tax as a workshop instead of holding the final vote.

The meeting is slated for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall. 

The proposed tax would impact sales of prepared foods and beverages — adding an additional 2 percent to the city's already 8 percent sales tax. The city expects to raise $1 million with the new tax, which would fund recreation and tourism projects. 

Last week, Goose Creek City Council voted to pass first reading of the ordinance after it was previously tabled last month for further study.

City Councilman Franklin Moore said the measure was brought up again, in an expedited manner, in response Berkeley County Council attempting to pass its own hospitality tax. Monday, Berkeley County Council unanimously voted to stop its hospitality tax — effectively ending the rush for City Council.