MS SB3074

Reenacts and amends Chapter 1005, Local and Private Laws of 2004, authorizing the City of Pascagoula to levy a tax on gross proceeds from hotel, motel, and bed-and-breakfast room rentals, not to exceed 3 percent.

Tax revenue must be dedicated solely to promoting tourism, economic development, and recreation, and cannot be considered general fund revenue.

Requires governing authorities to adopt a resolution, publish notice for at least three consecutive weeks, and obtain approval from at least 60 percent of qualified electors voting in a referendum before implementing the tax.

Tax collections must be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant, with audit expenses paid from the tax revenue and accounting kept separately from other city funds.

Extends the repeal date of the tax authorization from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2023, and ratifies all revenue collections and city expenditures made between July 1, 2017, and the effective date of this bill.