Enterprise Rent-A-Car told state legislators today/yesterday that the proposed tax increases for a new downtown convention center will cost Davidson County taxpayers money.
Supporters of the proposed 445-million dollar project want to pay for it by raising the hotel/motel taxes, adding a 2-dollar charge per room, and increasing car rental taxes by 1-percent.
Enterprise lobbyist Dan Elrod says the tax increases have been marketed as revenue neutral for Davidson county residents since they targets tourists.
“That’s not really correct because local taxpayers will have to pay more taxes if this bill passes as is because there’s no way to limit it to cars just coming from the airport.”
The legislation has exempted cars rented for auto repair.
Davidson County legislators met to hear issues related to both the downtown center and Gaylord Hotel’s proposed expansion of its convention center and hotel facilities. Both projects need legislation passed at the state level to allow for the proposed financing mechanisms.
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