MS HB1723

Authorizes the City of Carthage governing authorities to levy an additional sales tax of up to 2% on hotel and motel room rentals and restaurant sales for recreation and tourism purposes.

Requires the governing authorities to adopt a resolution and hold an election where at least 60% of qualified electors must vote in favor before the tax can be imposed.

Election notice must be published in a local newspaper once weekly for at least three consecutive weeks, with the first notice at least 21 days and the last notice no more than 7 days before the election date.

Tax proceeds, minus 3% retained by the Department of Revenue for collection costs, must be dedicated solely to recreation, tourism facilities, and parks; cannot be used as general fund revenue.

Authorizes the city to issue general obligation bonds to fund recreation and tourism construction with debt service paid from tax proceeds, and repeals this authority on July 1, 2020.