Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, announced earlier this week that he would not be supporting the local bill to increase Haywood County's occupancy tax from 4 percent to 6 percent at this time.

"Due to a number of concerns, especially those expressed by many constituents, I have decided not to move forward at this time with this bill," Davis wrote in an email.

Davis introduced the bill on March 13 in the Senate and Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, introduced the bill in the House. County commissioners, town of Waynesville and town of Canton supported the concept of the tax increase, but many in Maggie Valley opposed the legislation.

If passed, the 2 percent would be used for capital improvements to increase tourism dollars. One idea presented has been to complete sporting complexes in ...