MS HB1552

Creates the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau composed of nine directors appointed by the City of Columbus Mayor and City Council, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, and jointly by the Mayor and Board President

Establishes bureau composition with specific representatives from restaurants, hotels/motels, historic homes, business/industry, and at-large members, with initial terms ranging from one to four years and subsequent terms of three to four years

Grants the bureau authority to promote tourism, conventions, special events, and recreation; acquire and operate facilities; receive and expend revenues; and contribute funds to visitor information centers and building restoration projects

Limits bureau contributions to the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link to no more than 15% of annual proceeds from the restaurant/tourism tax distributed to the bureau, based on certified expenditure amounts

Requires annual budget adoption, independent certified public accountant audits submitted to governing authorities and the State Department of Audit, and establishes that each director must post a $10,000 bond