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Irmo council adopts 3% local accommodations tax to fund tourism and parks
Summary
The Town of Irmo on April 21 adopted Ordinance 26-05 to impose a 3% local accommodations tax on short-term stays; staff estimated the local levy would add about $120,000 a year for tourism-related projects and parks enhancements.
The Town of Irmo council unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-05 on April 21, establishing a 3% local accommodations tax to fund tourism-related expenses and local park improvements.
Town administrator Jim Crosslin told the council that South Carolina’s existing 2% statewide accommodations tax generates roughly $85,000 for the town and that an additional local 3% would produce an estimated $120,000 annually. Crosslin said revenues could support advertising, events and public-works efforts tied to tourism and parks.
Council discussion included one member who said they had been initially opposed to an accommodations tax but was persuaded by the potential to fund parks and by concerns that failing to act could allow the county to impose its own levy. No public speakers addressed the item during the hearing.
Lisa (clerical roll call) recorded the vote: Mr. Ward — yes; Mr. Penfield — yes; Miss Coleman — yes; Dr. Waldman — yes; Mayor Daniels — yes. The ordinance was adopted at the second and final reading.
The council did not specify an exact implementation date in the discussion, and staff indicated standard collections and remittance procedures for accommodations taxes would follow state rules. The council may return to council with administrative details and implementation steps as needed.
