MS SB2853

Authorizes the City of Saltillo to levy a tax of up to 2% on gross room rental proceeds from hotels and motels with six or more guest rooms and up to 2% on gross sales proceeds from restaurants to fund tourism and parks and recreation programs.

Requires the governing authorities to adopt a resolution declaring intent to levy the tax and conduct a referendum where at least 60% of qualified city electors voting must approve the measure; election held first Tuesday after first Monday in November with notice published three consecutive weeks.

Tax collection follows state sales tax procedures administered by the Department of Revenue, which retains 3% of proceeds for collection costs and remits remaining funds to the city by the 15th of the following month.

Requires separate accounting from the general fund with annual independent audits by a certified public accountant; revenues cannot be used as general fund revenues and must be dedicated solely to the specified purposes.

Automatically repeals on July 1, 2023.