CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – At a special session on Monday, the City Council authorized the creation and appointment of the Art, Culture and Tourism (ACT) Authority. However, following the vote, several members of the local arts community asked why they weren’t given a heads up about the idea.

When the proposal was introduced at the special session, Councilperson Karen Reynolds motioned to have it deferred for a month. Reynolds said she hadn’t had enough time to speak with residents and get their input on the matter, and she told those in attendance, “That does not mean I am for or against this, it just means that I don’t appreciate the timeline that this was presented.”

The City Council voted down the deferral and voted 8-2 to approve, with Councilpersons Ambar Marquis and Wanda Allen voting no. Reynolds abstained.

‘We haven’t had time to look at it or comment’

During public comments, Larry Richardson, chairman of the board for the Custom’s House Museum, told the council he’s at a loss because neither he nor Museum Director Frank Lott had heard of the proposal until Monday.

“This leaves a lot in question of how this operates,” Richardson said. “Plus, the fact that it hit the news media a day or two ago without us telling our staff that this was imminent. … I know a lot of things are undecided at this point, and this Authority may be the best thing since apple pie, but we haven’t had time to look at it or comment.”

Gregory Wolynec, who is the music director of the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, said he became aware of the proposal over the weekend, and that was the first time anyone in his organization had heard of it. He said every member of the Gateway Chamber Orchestra is 110% in favor of the idea of the Performing Arts Center, but wanted to make sure his organization doesn’t miss out as the idea moves forward.

New privilege tax approved

Also on Monday, the City Council approved an ordinance to levy a privilege tax, in an amount not to exceed 4%, on lodging at any hotel, motel, short-term rental, campground or similar facility in Clarksville. The ordinance was passed 9-1 with Marquis voting no and Reynolds abstaining.

The privilege tax will create a new revenue stream to promote tourism, including for the Performing Arts Center through the new ACT Authority, according to city documents. The second reading (vote) on the privilege tax will be March 7 in Council Chambers.

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