The Selma Redevelopment Authority (SRA) and Jim Lewis, owner of the St. James Hotel, discussed the particulars of a potential partnership between the two entities at Thursday evening’s regularly scheduled SRA meeting.
“In order for it to be economically more advantageous to the St. James and its owner [Lewis], they want to use the SRA as a purchasing agent. Which means, we purchase the equipment for them and they take our tax advantage.”
The advantage being, the St. James would not have to pay taxes for equipment and materials under the SRA’s status as a 501(c)(3) (nonprofit) organization, according to Maxwell
The obstacle keeping the partnership from coming to fruition is competitive bid laws.
According to Maxwell, with the SRA being a quasi-government entity, competitive bid laws must be adhered to.
Lewis voiced concerns that competitive bid laws would push back the completion of the historic hotels renovation.
“We just have to let the lawyers figure it all out,” said Maxwell.