Mississippi House Bill HB1503

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

City of Olive Branch; authorize 1% tax on hotels and motels and issuance of bonds for tourism, parks and recreation.

Impact

If passed, HB1503 will establish a dedicated funding stream for tourism and recreational initiatives in Olive Branch. The proceeds from the collected tax will not be considered general fund revenue but specifically allocated for the defined purposes within the act. This financial arrangement allows the city to potentially improve local infrastructure and enhance community offerings related to tourism, which may help attract more visitors and boost the local economy. Furthermore, it opens the possibility for the city to issue general obligation bonds or incur other debts, contingent on the anticipated revenue from the hotel tax, to finance improvements and developments tied to parks and recreational facilities.

Summary

House Bill 1503 authorizes the governing authorities of the City of Olive Branch, Mississippi, to levy a sales tax on the gross receipts from hotel and motel room rentals. This tax, which can be set at a maximum rate of one percent (1%), is intended to generate revenue to promote tourism and support parks and recreation initiatives within the city. Additionally, the bill allows for an election to determine whether this tax may be implemented, ensuring community participation in the decision-making process regarding local taxation. The proposed legislation includes stipulations on how the tax is to be collected and administered by the state's Department of Revenue, applying existing enforcement provisions to help facilitate compliance.

Contention

While HB1503 aims to enable local revenue generation and improve community resources, it may also raise concerns among businesses within the hospitality sector about the increased tax burden. Establishing an additional tax on hotel guests could potentially deter visitors if they perceive Olive Branch as less competitive compared to neighboring communities that may not impose such fees. Additionally, the requirement for a local election to allow the tax means that citizens must express their support, which could lead to contention if voters disagree on funding priorities. The fate of the bill thus hinges on local sentiment regarding taxation and its perceived benefits for community development.