SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – During Monday’s Scottsville City Council meeting, city leaders asked the public to comment on a proposed three percent restaurant tax. Several residents and restaurant owners then voiced their displeasure with the proposal before city leaders voted against the tax.
Griddles owner Wendy Costello was the first to speak, stating that she does not believe the tax will impact tourism, but rather will negatively impact local business owners and residents.
“I feel like the people of Scottsville are being penalized,” Costello said. “In my opinion, if it were statewide, I probably wouldn’t have an opinion, but since it can’t be statewide, when I leave Scottsville Square and get to the red light at Bowling Green, I’m a tenth of a mile further than Harper’s. I sell catfish, Harper’s sells catfish, and so does Dumplin’s. So why would they ever eat catfish with me or Dumplin’s when they can just go to Harper’s and save three percent?”
Several residents shared Costello’s view and raised additional points of contention in the form of allegedly rising energy costs and last year’s decision to legalize alcohol sales in the county.
Councilwoman Heather Gatewood told those in attendance that councilors did not support the tax when it was proposed, but remained open to hearing opportunities.
“To think that we would do that is, quite frankly, political suicide and I apologize for any misunderstanding that people may have had because that was never the case and I speak on their behalf because I don’t think anyone sitting here today was in favor of taxing all of you or your restaurants. I think that’s just a little bit over the top,” Gatewood said.
Susan Carter, deputy director of the Tourism Commission, shared that she and the commission are only hoping for progress for Scottsville and Allen County and want to do what is best for the community.
“We know Bowling Green is running out of space and they are moving in this direction. We are excited and hopeful that we can help build and strengthen our community to meet the needs of everyone. Not just those who are here, but those who are coming here,” Carter said.
While the city will not impose a restaurant tax, a three percent short-term lodging tax is still a possibility. This tax would fund the Tourism Commission.
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