MS SB3038

Authorizes the City of Gautier governing authorities to impose a 1% special assessment on total retail sales generated by tenants, owners, or occupiers at the Singing River Mall site.

Tax revenue must be dedicated solely to acquisition, construction, reconstruction, expansion, improvement, furnishing, equipping, maintaining, and repairing of properties and infrastructure at the mall site.

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

Tax collection follows state sales tax procedures through the Department of Revenue, which retains 3% of proceeds to cover administrative costs before remitting remaining funds to the city within 15 days of collection.

Requires separate accounting and annual independent audits of the tax funds, with all audit expenses paid from the dedicated revenue; this authority expires July 1, 2024.