Exciting Developments in Oktibbeha County: New Candlewood Suites Hotel and Dust Control Program Approved!

Exciting Developments for Oktibbeha County: A New Hotel Is on the Horizon!

Oktibbeha County is buzzing with excitement as the county board of supervisors recently approved a partnership with Starkville that could change the lodging game in the area. A brand-new Candlewood Suites hotel is in the works, expected to open by 2026!

A $10 Million Project Taking Shape

The planned hotel, which comes with a hefty $10 million price tag, will sit comfortably between popular spots like Academy Sports and the Hollywood Premier Cinema right off Highway 12. The county and the city have teamed up to offer a sweet deal worth a combined $1 million in tax incentives, ensuring the hotel’s smooth sailing from conception to completion.

District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer emphasized the positive impact of this development. This hotel is seen as a fantastic opportunity to attract visitors and keep the local economy thriving!

Understanding the Tax Incentives

The tax incentives will be in place for up to 12 years once the hotel is up and running. However, if the hotel reaches that $1 million threshold sooner, the rebates will end. The county’s contributions will come from ad valorem (property) taxes, while the city will utilize both ad valorem and sales tax funds.

Even while offering these rebates, the county and city will continue to collect taxes based on the lot’s existing value, creating a beneficial scenario.

Projected Numbers: A Little Juggling Required

Oktibbeha County is approaching this with caution. Projections suggest that the county could see rebates amounting to an estimated $38,000 per year, with city rebates likely averaging around $58,000. These numbers are estimates, and there remains some uncertainty regarding the final plans for Candlewood Suites.

What’s Next for the Hotel Proposal?

The proposal is now returning to the Starkville board of aldermen for final approval. Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill mentioned that there’s already a spot on the agenda for their upcoming meeting. With unanimous support expected, it’s all systems go to get everything signed before the year wraps up!

Dust Control on Gravel Roads: A Breath of Fresh Air

In addition to the exciting hotel developments, the supervisors also approved a new pilot program aimed at reducing dust on heavily trafficked gravel roads. This decision follows residents’ concerns about health issues related to dust from the roads.

Addressing Community Concerns

The Oktibbeha roads department will be testing a treatment on three roads, beginning with Clifford Lane. With plans to later expand this initiative, the county hopes to pave over some of the worst trouble spots as part of their four-year road plan. Road Manager Victor Collins expressed optimism regarding the program’s potential.

However, the dust control won’t happen overnight. Collins noted that the treatment might take a little while due to weather considerations, estimating the whole process could stretch into late spring 2025.

Things are certainly heating up in Oktibbeha County, and the community looks forward to seeing how these projects develop!