MS HB1523

Authorizes the City of Ridgeland governing authorities to impose a special sales tax of up to 1% on gross proceeds of sales or gross income from activities taxed at 7% or more under Mississippi Sales Tax Law.

Tax does not apply to certain exempted sales including restaurant food and beverages, hotel and motel lodging, retail food for human consumption, telecommunications services, cable services, and prescription drugs and medicines.

Tax requires approval by at least 3/5 of votes cast in a municipal election, with notice published for at least three consecutive weeks prior to the election.

Revenue from the special sales tax must be placed in a separate municipal fund and used exclusively for redevelopment projects in the Southeast Ridgeland Redevelopment District, including infrastructure improvements such as streets, utilities, curbs, gutters, and drainage.

Department of Revenue collects the tax, retains 3% of proceeds for collection costs, and remits payments monthly to the City of Ridgeland; the provision automatically repeals on July 1, 2015.