City to Study Economic Development, Casey Center

Goose Creek City Council has tabled the proposed hospitality tax for the time being, but is moving forward with two projects that will assess the need for the tax, according to Mayor Michael Heitzler.

Thursday, five of the seven City Council members met in a specially called workshop on the tax. City residents' sales tax rate is currently 8 percent, and the tax would add an additional 2 percent, which would only affect prepared foods and beverages. The money would be slated for recreation and tourism projects. 

The proposals for what to do with the projected $1 million range widely: from renovating the Casey Center to an indoor swimming pool.

"We threw a bunch of pipe dreams up there," Councilman Jerry Tekac said. He added nothing was firmed up as far as where the money would be spent.

Before moving forward with the tax, council has agreed to talk to two consultants. One would study the city's economic development, determine a strategy, and assess broadening the tax base and whether or not a hospitality tax would be beneficial or detrimental. The other would assess the Casey Community Center for structural problems and determine necessary renovations. 

"The second vote is not pending anywhere in the near future," Tekac said. "We need to do a lot more work to convince me it's the right thing to do and a lot more work to convince the constituents it's the right thing to do."