MS SB2991

Authorizes Starkville city government to levy up to 1% additional sales tax on hotel and motel room rentals and restaurant gross sales proceeds, subject to voter approval by majority election.

Tax revenue, minus 3% collection fee retained by the Department of Revenue, must be dedicated solely to constructing, financing, operating, and maintaining new sports tournament and recreational facilities or improving existing ones.

Combined tax rate on hotels/motels and restaurants cannot exceed 10% when combined with state sales tax and other local/county taxes levied under existing law.

Authorizes city to issue general obligation bonds for sports facility development with debt service funded by the special sales tax, exempt from state indebtedness limitations.

Authorizes city to lease city-owned property for up to 20 years at nominal fee for facility construction and operation, with option to lease back at negotiated fee for up to 20 years before city ownership transfer; tax authority repeals July 1, 2049.