Developing Howard County receives first installment from their portion of 1 percent sales tax

The board of the Developing Howard County (DHC) committee met Thursday morning, with members providing updates from the Housing; Tax, Education and Public Information; and Branding, Recreation and Entertainment subcommittees.

Nashville Mayor Larry Dunaway encouraged the board to continue efforts to attract a hotel to the area. He noted that a hotel would not only support the city park by making it easier to host softball and baseball tournaments, but would also provide lodging for business representatives considering expansion in the region. Currently, those visitors must stay in nearby cities such as Hope or Texarkana.

Dunaway also reported that, after speaking with three local banks, there is an expectation that interest rates may begin to decline. A decrease in rates could help spur new housing construction in the area.

DHC Executive Director Vanessa Weeks announced that the organization will soon unveil a new website after contracting with DNT Media last month.

Howard County Judge Brent Pinkerton reported that the county has received its first installment from the one-percent sales tax that voters approved to extend after hospital construction bonds were paid off last year.

Pinkerton also shared the February distribution amounts for Howard County and the cities of Nashville, Dierks, Mineral Springs, and Tollette.

In addition, Pinkerton said he presented DHC with its first 10 percent allocation from the county.

Dena Pinkerton, the new executive director of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, was also appointed to fill the vacant ex-officio position previously held by former chamber director Tim Pinkerton.