BRANDON — Voters have approved a 2 percent restaurant tax in Brandon, taking the total tax on prepared food and beverages to 9 percent.
The Clarion-Ledger reports about 2,400 residents turned out to cast ballots yesterday. Revenue will go toward developing the city's tourism, parks and recreation offerings.
The tax applies to all restaurants as well as prepared food from grocery store delis and convenience stores. It does not apply to groceries.
Brandon Mayor Butch Lee said he is encouraged by the vote.
The tax will take effect Sept. 1. By November, Lee said, there should be a specific plan in place for how the city will use the funds.
Lee estimates revenue from the tax to be about $450,000 a year.