CITY OF EUREKA SPRINGS

CITY COUNCIL

SPECIAL MEETING                      FRIDAY              April 4, 2003

Mayor Kathy Harrison called the special meeting to order at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2003, in the jury room of the Western District Carroll County Courthouse.

 

PRESENT: Mayor Kathy Harrison, Aldermen Penny Carroll, Karen Lindblad, Gayle Money, Earl “Bud” Umland, City Administrative Assistant Kim Dickens, City Clerk Mary Jean Sell. Alderman Bill Ott was absent. There is one vacancy on the council.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

            1. Discussion regarding a tax rebate of 2.25 percent city sales tax as an economic incentive for a movie production in Eureka Springs.

Mayor Harrison explained the need to consider this action as a way to compete with Sevierville, Tenn., for a movie to be filmed in the Eureka Springs area in June and July of 2003. The state of Tennessee allows a 10 percent sales tax rebate.

In order to compete, the state of Arkansas allows a 5 percent sales tax rebate. The City Advertising and Promotion Commission (CAPC) has agreed to rebate the 2 percent sales tax on hotels and restaurants, and put in $25,000 cash, if needed.

Council approval of rebating the city’s sales tax is needed.

The movie company will set up an account with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and submit receipts for purchases made in connection with the movie production. Personal items will not be included.

Eureka Springs will receive a credit at the end of the movie. Personalities involved with the movie who appear on television talk shows will mention the name of Eureka Springs.

Ms. Carroll moved to approve the 2.25 percent sales tax rebate. Ms. Money seconded. All voted aye. Motion passed. 4/0/0

 

Mayor Harrison announced Alderman David Wilson had resigned Monday, March 31, for personal reasons. She asked for volunteers from Ward 2 to contact her, council members or Ms. Dickens. She also asked for resumes.

 

Ms. Money moved to adjourn at 10:07 a.m. Ms. Carroll seconded. All voted aye. Motion passed. 4/0/0

 

This is the signature page for the April 4, 2003, City Council minutes.

APPROVED:

 

                                                                       

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ATTEST:                                                              Mayor Kathy Harrison

 

 

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City Clerk Mary Jean Sell