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MURFREESBORO – There is a lot going on in Murfreesboro these days, according to Daryl Williams.

Williams, who serves as the town’s Chamber of Commerce Director, appeared before the Murfreesboro Town Council during their meeting on Aug. 20 to share an update on the organization’s activities.

“Murfreesboro continues to grow our business community,” he said, noting that several new businesses have opened recently and there are still more to come.

He also mentioned upcoming Chamber-sponsored events such as Business After Hours on Sept. 19 and a small business networking event at Chowan University on Sept. 4. They are also putting together a golf tournament to be held on Oct. 4 at Beechwood Country Club. Proceeds from that event will be put towards a scholarship fund to benefit a student in Hertford County.

Many of the upcoming events are sponsored by or done in partnership with other local businesses as well as Chowan University and Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

“As you can see, the Chamber is creating opportunities and we’re building partnerships. We’re proud of what we’re doing,” Williams continued.

But he emphasized that the Chamber also wants to strengthen its partnership with the town itself, and there are some projects they want to pursue which would need town support.

One of those projects would be a charging station for electric vehicles.

Williams said, regardless of how people feel about electric vehicles, this is a growing market that they would benefit from tapping into. He previously mentioned the need for a charging station to the council in 2021, but requirements changed before they were able to apply for the available funding back then.

The goal, he explained, is to encourage travelers on the bypass to make a stop in Murfreesboro to recharge and while in town they can eat in local restaurants and shop in local stores.

Council member Jay Revelle asked what funding was currently available for a charging station.

Williams stated that there are several options for funding available. But they usually need the town’s support first in order to obtain those kinds of grants.

He also noted that some funds come with stipulations for the charging site, but they would focus on simple municipal charging stations, which usually only require a paved lot, ADA access, and nighttime lighting.

“Do you have a location in mind,” asked council member James Byerly.

Williams said the lot by the Post Office could potentially be a good space.

During his presentation, Williams also urged the town to enact an occupancy tax, which is collected from stays in hotels, Airbnb, and other short-term rentals. It would also create a Tourism Development Authority (TDA) for the town.

“Tourism money is good money,” he said. “Now’s the time to bring in revenue from those staying here overnight.”

Williams said Murfreesboro loses an estimated $25,000-45,000 per year without an occupancy tax. The revenues collected, he said, are restricted to being spent on promoting the town, and cannot by used for things like infrastructure improvements and the like.

The town previously tried to create a TDA, but could not find enough people able to serve.

“Our [Chamber of Commerce] board has a vested interest in this town, and our ultimate goal is a prosperous town. Let’s partner together for future growth,” Williams concluded.

The council did not take any immediate action after the presentation. Mayor Hal Thomas thanked Williams for the information.