48-13-51
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48-13-51.
(a)(1)(A)
The governing authority of each municipality in this state may levy and collect
an excise tax upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms,
lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by,
or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the municipality for
operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground,
or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly
furnished for value. Within the territorial limits of the special district
located within the county, each county in this state may levy and collect an
excise tax upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms,
lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by,
or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the county for operating
within the special district a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist
cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or
accommodations are regularly furnished for value. The provisions of this Code
section shall control over the provisions of any local ordinance or resolution
to the contrary enacted pursuant to Code Section 48-13-53 and in effect prior to
July 1, 1998. Any such ordinance shall not be deemed repealed by this Code
section but shall be administered in conformity with this Code section.
(B)(i)
The excise tax shall be imposed on any person or legal entity licensed by or
required to pay a business or occupation tax to the governing authority imposing
the tax for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin,
campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are
regularly furnished for value and shall apply to the furnishing for value of any
room, lodging, or accommodation. Every person or entity subject to a tax levied
as provided in this Code section shall, except as provided in this Code section,
be liable for the tax at the applicable rate on the lodging charges actually
collected or, if the amount of taxes collected from the hotel or motel guest is
in excess of the total amount that should have been collected, the total amount
actually collected must be remitted.
(ii)
Any tax levied as provided in this Code section is also imposed upon every
person or entity who is a hotel or motel guest and who receives a room, lodging,
or accommodation that is subject to the tax levied under this Code section.
Every such guest subject to the tax levied under this Code section shall pay the
tax to the person or entity providing the room, lodging, or accommodation. The
tax shall be a debt of the person obtaining the room, lodging, or accommodation
to the person or entity providing such room, lodging, or accommodation until it
is paid and shall be recoverable at law by the person or entity providing such
room, lodging, or accommodation in the same manner as authorized for the
recovery of other debts. The person or entity collecting the tax from the hotel
or motel guest shall remit the tax to the governing authority imposing the tax,
and the tax remitted shall be a credit against the tax imposed by division (i)
of this subparagraph on the person or entity providing the room, lodging, or
accommodation.
(C)(i)
The tax authorized by this Code section shall not apply to charges made for any
rooms, lodgings, or accommodations provided to any persons who certify that they
are staying in such room, lodging, or accommodation as a result of the
destruction of their home or residence by fire or other casualty. The tax
authorized by this Code section shall apply to the fees or charges for any
rooms, lodgings, or accommodations during the first ten days of continuous
occupancy and shall not apply to charges imposed for any continuous occupancy
thereafter. The tax authorized by this Code section shall not apply to charges
made for the use of meeting rooms and other such facilities or to any rooms,
lodgings, or accommodations provided without charge.
(ii)
The tax authorized by this Code section shall not apply to the charges for any
rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished for a period of one or more days
for use by Georgia state or local governmental officials or employees when
traveling on official business. Notwithstanding the availability of any other
means of identifying the person as a state or local government official or
employee, whenever a person pays for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations with
a state or local government credit or debit card, such rooms, lodgings, or
accommodations shall be deemed to have been furnished for use by a Georgia state
or local government official or employee traveling on official business for
purposes of the exemption provided by this division.
(D)
Except as provided in paragraphs (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4),
(3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1),
(5.2), and (5.3) of this subsection, no tax levied pursuant to this Code section
shall be levied or collected at a rate exceeding 3 percent of the charge to the
public for the furnishings.
(2)
A county or municipality levying a tax as provided in paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall in each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, expend
for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows a percentage
of the total taxes collected under this Code section which is not less than the
percentage of such tax collections expended for such purposes during the
immediately preceding fiscal year. In addition, if during such immediately
preceding fiscal year any portion of such tax receipts was expended for such
purposes through a grant to or a contract or contracts with the state, a
department of state government, a state authority, or a private sector nonprofit
organization, then in each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, at
least the same percentage shall be expended through a contract or contracts with
one or more such entities for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and
trade shows. The expenditure requirements of this paragraph shall cease to
apply to a county or municipality which levies a tax at a rate in excess of 3
percent, as authorized under paragraphs (2.1), (3), (2.2), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3),
(3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5),
(5.1), (5.2), and (5.3) of this subsection; and in such case the expenditure
requirements of such paragraph of this subsection pursuant to which such tax is
levied shall apply instead.
(2.1)(A)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and municipalities within such a county in which county or municipality
community auditorium or theater facilities owned and operated by a municipality
have been renovated which renovations are completed substantially on or before
July 1, 1995, and which county and municipalities have not previously levied a 6
percent tax under paragraph (4) of this subsection may levy a tax under this
Code section at a rate of 5 percent.
(B)
A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend
(in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an
amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code
section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the
purpose of general recreation. Amounts so expended shall be expended only
through a contract or contracts with a recreation authority created by local Act
of the General Assembly.
(2.2)(A)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as
used in this paragraph, the term:
(i)
'Charitable trust' shall have the meaning given such term in subsection (d) of
Code Section 48-13-55.
(ii)
' Development authority' shall mean a development authority created pursuant to
Chapter 62 of Title 36, the 'Development Authorities Law.'
(iii)
'Facility' or 'facilities' shall mean any of the buildings, structures, and
facilities described in division (ii) of subparagraph (D) of this paragraph.
(iv)
'Functionally related business' shall have the meaning given such term in
subsection (d) of Code Section 48-13-55.
(v)
'Fund' or 'funding' shall include the cost and expense of all things necessary
for the construction and operation of a facility or facilities, including, but
not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction,
financing (including the payment of principal of and interest on any obligation
of a development authority to finance such facility or facilities or refund any
obligation of a development authority previously issued to finance such facility
or facilities), development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land,
waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or
facilities and the repayment of any obligation incurred in connection therewith.
(vi)
'Obligation' shall mean bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation
to pay or reserve moneys, having an initial term of not more than 35 years.
(vii)
'Related entity' shall mean, with respect to a charitable trust, a functionally
related business of such charitable trust, or any for profit or not for profit
entity owned by or under common ownership with such charitable trust or owned by
or under common ownership with a functionally related business of such
charitable trust or otherwise affiliated with such charitable trust in a manner
approved by the development authority.
(B)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) or any municipality within such county in which is located, in either
case, a convention and conference center which is at least 50,000 square feet in
size and is owned in fee simple by a development authority and leased by such
development authority to a charitable trust or a related entity thereof, and in
which county or municipality there exists a private sector nonprofit
organization which, on or before December 31, 2005, entered into a contract or a
memorandum of understanding with the county or municipality and the
aforementioned charitable trust pursuant to Code Section 48-13-55 relating to
the expenditure of the proceeds of the tax collected under this Code section,
may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent.
(C)
The proceeds of the taxes collected under this paragraph shall be expended
pursuant to a contract or a memorandum of understanding between the county or
municipality, the private sector nonprofit organization, and the charitable
trust, and such proceeds may be expended by or for the benefit of the county or
municipality, the private sector nonprofit organization, or the charitable trust
and related entities thereof for the purposes described in subparagraph (D) of
this paragraph, provided that the expenditure of the proceeds of the tax levied
on a charitable trust or a functionally related business thereof shall meet the
requirements of Code Section 48-13-55.
(D)
The proceeds of the taxes collected under this paragraph may be expended for any
or all of the following purposes:
(i)
Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;
(ii)
Promoting, attracting, stimulating, and developing conventions and tourism
pursuant to Code Section 48-13-55; or
(iii)
Funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and
equipping buildings, structures, infrastructure, and facilities which have the
effect of promoting, attracting, stimulating, and developing conventions and
tourism, including, but not limited to, a hotel facility and infrastructure and
utility projects, provided that during any period during which there remains
outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this
paragraph, secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under
this Code section, the powers of the county or municipality to impose and
distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired
by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this
paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the
interest and rights of the holder of any such obligation. This proviso shall be
for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of
any such obligation by a development authority, shall constitute a contract with
the holder of such obligation.
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5
percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph
shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this
paragraph (3)) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected
under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3
percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;
(B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention
and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C) supporting
a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for
convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if
a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987,
and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July
1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or
local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or
related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior
to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on
or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state
funds; (E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority
for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes
if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially
funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended and if
such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31,
1993; or (F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall
be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of
state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private
sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some
combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purposes (C) and
(D) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner.
(3.1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the
municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center authority
has been created by intergovernmental contract between a county and one or more
municipalities located therein, and which trade and convention center authority
is in existence on or before March 21, 1988, and which trade and convention
center authority has not constructed or operated any facility before March 21,
1988, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county
or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each
fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.1)) an
amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate
of 6 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade
shows; (B) funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving,
and equipping buildings, structures, and facilities, including, but not limited
to, a trade and convention center, exhibit hall, conference center, performing
arts center, accommodations facilities including food service, or any
combination thereof, for convention, trade show, athletic, musical, theatrical,
cultural, civic, and performing arts purposes and other events and activities
for similar and related purposes, acquiring the necessary property therefor,
both real and personal, and funding all expenses incident thereto, and
supporting, maintaining, and promoting such facilities owned, operated, or
leased by or to the local trade and convention center authority; or (C) for some
combination of such purposes; provided, however, that at least 50 percent of the
total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent shall be expended for the
purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph (3.1). Amounts so
expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state,
a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors
bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a
municipality, a local building authority created by local constitutional
amendment, and a trade and convention center authority created by
intergovernmental contract between a county and one or more municipalities
located therein, or a private sector nonprofit organization or through a
contract or contracts with some combination of such entities. The aggregate
amount of all excise taxes imposed under this paragraph (3.1) and all sales and
use taxes, and other taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall
not exceed 13 percent. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph (3.1) shall
terminate not later than December 31, 2029, provided that during any period
during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility
as contemplated by this paragraph (3.1), secured in whole or in part by a pledge
of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and
municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph (3.1)
shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality
levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (3.1) shall cease to levy the tax in
any manner that will impair the interests and rights of the holder of any such
obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such
obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a building authority
created by local constitutional amendment, shall constitute a contract with the
holder of such obligation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code
section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph (3.1), the term: 'fund' or
'funding' shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a
building authority created by local constitutional amendment for the
construction and operation of a facility or facilities including but not limited
to the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, financing,
including the payment of principal and interest on any obligation of the
building authority created by local constitutional amendment and any obligation
of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment to refund
any prior obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional
amendment, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters,
property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities and
the repayment of any obligation incurred by an authority in connection
therewith; 'obligation' shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating
an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more
than 37 years; and 'facility' or 'facilities' shall mean any of the buildings,
structures, and facilities described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph (3.1)
and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated
incident to the ownership or operation of such facility used for any purpose or
purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph (3.1) by a building
authority created by local constitutional amendment.
(3.2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention
center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which
tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and is substantially funded by a state
grant or grants authorized on or before January 1, 1996, may levy a tax under
this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a
tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which
the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.2)) an amount equal to 33 1/3
percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of
promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private
sector nonprofit organization as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of
this subsection. In addition to the amounts required to be expended above, a
county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further
expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this
paragraph (3.2)) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected
at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating trade
and convention facilities. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a
preopening marketing program for such a facility and an escrow account accrued
prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after
the opening of such a facility. In the event such facility is not constructed,
collected funds may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the
county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph.
(3.3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention
center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which
tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and which facility was completed and in
operation prior to December 31, 1994, and which county and municipalities have
not previously levied a 6 percent tax under paragraph (4) of this subsection,
may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or
municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend for the
purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows in each fiscal year
during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.3) an amount which is
equal to (A) an amount which is not less than the amount which would have been
spent if the tax rate had not been increased to 6 percent and if the same
percentage of tax collections expended for such purposes during the immediately
preceding fiscal year were expended for such purposes during the current fiscal
year plus (B) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at
the rate of 6 percent.
(3.4)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6
percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph
shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this
paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected
under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3
percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;
(B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention
and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C) supporting
a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for
convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if
a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987,
and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July
1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or
local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or
related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior
to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on
or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state
funds; (E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority
for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes
if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially
funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and if
such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31,
1993; or (F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall
be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of
state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private
sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some
combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for the purposes
specified in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of this paragraph may be so expended in
any otherwise lawful manner. In addition to the amounts otherwise required to
be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax
pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during
which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3
percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for promoting
tourism, conventions, and trade shows. Amounts so expended shall be expended
only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state
government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private
sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some
combination of such entities.
(3.5)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a local
consolidated government (within the territorial limits of the special district
located within the county the boundary of which is conterminous with that of
such local consolidated government) may levy a tax under this Code section at a
rate of 6 percent. A local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to
this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is
collected under this paragraph (3.5)) an amount equal to the amount by which the
total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be
collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism,
conventions, and trade shows through a contract with a private sector nonprofit
organization. In addition to the amounts thus required to be expended, a local
consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further
expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this
paragraph (3.5)) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected
at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of supporting a civic center owned and
operated by the local consolidated government.
(3.6)
Reserved.
(3.7)(A)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or
municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A
county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in
each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an
amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code
section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the
purpose of:
(i)
Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;
(ii)
Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and
trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;
(iii)
Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority
for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes,
if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987,
and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July
1, 1987;
(iv)
Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority
for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes
if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990,
in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1,
1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds;
(v)
Supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for
convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if
construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially
funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended and if
such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31,
1993; or
(vi)
For some combination of such purposes.
(B)
Amounts expended pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be
expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of
state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private
sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some
combination of such entities, except that amounts expended pursuant to division
(iii) or (iv) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be so expended in any
otherwise lawful manner.
(C)
In addition to the amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a
county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph and in which an
international horse park used in Olympic Games competition is in operation prior
to January 1, 1999, shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the
tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the
total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of constructing,
developing, supporting, and operating a nature center, nature park, wetlands
education center, or nature museum for educational and recreational purposes or
any other similar purposes. Amounts which are expended to meet the 16 2/3
percent expenditure requirement of this subparagraph shall not be subject to the
provisions of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a
contract or contracts with certain entities.
(4)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or
municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A
county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in
each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4)) an
amount equal to at least 43 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate
of 6 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade
shows; (B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for
convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C)
supporting a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government
for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes,
if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987,
and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July
1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or
local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or
related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior
to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on
or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state
funds; (E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority
for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes
if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially
funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and such
facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31,
1993; or (F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall
be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of
state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private
sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some
combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purposes (C) and
(D) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner. In addition to the
amounts required to be expended above, a county or municipality levying a tax
pursuant to this paragraph (4) shall further expend (in each fiscal year during
which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4)) an amount equal to at least
1 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose
of supporting a museum of aviation and aviation hall of fame or an amount equal
to at least 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent
for the purpose of construction or expansion of either: (A) a facility owned or
operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any
other similar or related purposes; (B) a facility owned or operated by a local
authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any
other similar or related purposes, if such support is provided to a governmental
entity with which the county or municipality levying the tax had in effect on
January 1, 1987, a contractual agreement concerning governmental support of a
convention and trade show facility; (C) a facility owned or operated for
convention and trade show purposes, visitor welcome center purposes, or any
other similar or related purposes by a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality; (D) a facility
owned or operated for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or
related purposes by a coliseum and exhibit hall authority created by local Act
of the General Assembly for a county and one or more municipalities therein; (E)
a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and
trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of
such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after
February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by
Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and such facility was
substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; (F) a
system of bicycle or pedestrian trails or walkways or both connecting a historic
district within the levying county or municipality and surrounding areas (and
with respect to this purpose (F) construction and expansion shall include
acquisition and development), if not later than December 1, 1993, the county or
municipality has adopted ordinances, resolutions, or contracts which: (i)
designate such historic district; (ii) obligate the county or municipality to
provide funds to promote tourism to a historic district owners and business
association which qualifies as a private sector nonprofit organization under
subparagraph (a)(8)(A) of this Code section and Section 501(c)(6) of the
Internal Revenue Code; (iii) provide a 'comprehensive plan' as provided for in
Chapters 70 and 71 of Title 36; (iv) provide a transportation plan as a
component of such comprehensive plan; and (v) provide a recreation plan which is
designed to identify recreation needs through the year 2000 and which includes
provisions for such system of trails or walkways or both; provided that the
authority to expend funds for such system of trails or walkways or both shall
expire when all capital costs of the initial acquisition, construction, and
development of such system as identified in the relevant plan have been paid and
in no event later than July 1, 2002. Amounts so expended to meet such 16 2/3
percent expenditure requirement shall not be subject to the foregoing provisions
of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with
certain entities; or (G) a system of bicycle or pedestrian greenways, trails,
walkways, or any combination thereof connecting a downtown historic or business
district within the levying county or municipality and surrounding areas (and
with respect to this purpose (G) construction and expansion shall include
acquisition and development), if not later than December 1, 2000, the county or
municipality has adopted ordinances, resolutions, or contracts which: (i)
designate such historic or downtown business district; (ii) obligate the county
or municipality to provide funds to promote tourism to a downtown business
district owners and business association or chamber of commerce which qualify as
private sector nonprofit organizations under subparagraph (a)(8)(A) of this Code
section and Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iii) provide a
'comprehensive plan' as provided for in Chapters 70 and 71 of Title 36; (iv)
provide a transportation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan; and (v)
provide a recreation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan which
includes provisions for such system of trails or walkways or both; provided that
the authority to expend funds for such system of trails or walkways or both
shall expire when all capital costs of the initial acquisition, construction,
and development of such system as identified in the relevant plan have been paid
and in no event later than July 1, 2025. Amounts so expended to meet such 16
2/3 percent expenditure requirement shall not be subject to the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or
contracts with certain entities.
(4.1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or
municipality within a county in which a coliseum authority has been created by
local Act of the General Assembly and which authority is in existence on or
before July 1, 1963, for the purpose of owning or operating a facility, may levy
a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality
levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year
during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.1)) an amount equal to
at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent
for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B)
funding and supporting a facility owned or operated by such coliseum authority;
or (C) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be
expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of
state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local
coliseum authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a
contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that
amounts expended for purpose (B) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful
manner without the necessity of a contract. The aggregate amount of all excise
taxes imposed under this paragraph (4.1) and all sales and use taxes, and other
taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 12 percent.
Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph (4.1) shall terminate not later than
December 31, 2028, provided that during any period during which there remains
outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to January 1, 1995, issued to
fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph (4.1), and secured in whole or
in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of
the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this
paragraph (4.1) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county
or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (4.1) shall cease to
levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the
holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the
holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a
coliseum and exhibit hall authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder
of such obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section
to the contrary, as used in this paragraph (4.1), the term: 'fund' and 'funding'
shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local
coliseum authority for the construction, renovation, and operation of a facility
including but not limited to the study, operation, marketing, acquisition,
construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of
land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or
facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by a local coliseum
authority in connection therewith; 'obligation' shall include bonds, notes, or
any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys incurred prior to
January 1, 1995, and having an initial term of not more than 30 years; and
'facility' shall mean a coliseum or other facility and any associated parking
areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or
operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes or amusement
purposes, educational purposes, or a combination thereof and for fairs,
expositions, or exhibitions in connection therewith by a local coliseum
authority.
(4.2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a local
consolidated government (within the territorial limits of the special district
located within the county the boundary of which is conterminous with that of
such local consolidated government) may levy a tax under this Code section at a
rate of 7 percent. A local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to
this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is
collected under this paragraph (4.2)) an amount equal to the amount by which the
total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be
collected at a rate of 3 percent as follows: an amount equal to 28.58 of the
total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting
tourism, conventions, and trade shows through a contract with a private sector
nonprofit organization, an authority created by local Act of the General
Assembly, or through a contract or contracts with any combination of such
entities; an amount equal to 14.29 percent of the total taxes collected at the
rate of 7 percent for the purpose of supporting a civic center owned or
operated, or both, by the local consolidated government; and an amount equal to
14.29 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the
purpose of maintaining and operating a performing arts facility.
(4.3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7
percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph
shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this
paragraph (4.3)) amounts as follows: an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the
total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting
tourism, conventions, and trade shows which amount shall be expended only
through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state
government, a state authority, an authority created by local Act of the General
Assembly, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or
contracts with some combination of such entities; and an amount equal to 28.58
percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of
supporting a conference and convention center facility or similar facility owned
or operated by an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for
convention and conference center purposes or any other similar or related
purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on or
prior to July 1, 1997, and if such conference and convention center facility or
similar facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to December
31, 2001, which amounts shall be expended only through a contract or contracts
with the state or an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.
(4.4)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and municipalities within a county in which community auditorium or
theater facilities owned and operated by the municipality or by a local
authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for such purpose have
been renovated which renovations are completed substantially on or before
January 1, 2000, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent.
A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend
(in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph
(4.4)) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate
of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows
under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization defined in
subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of this subsection; and an amount equal to
28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the
purpose of either marketing or operating community auditorium or theater
facilities or a community convention or trade center of which the theater or
auditorium is a part. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a
preopening marketing program for such facilities and an escrow account accrued
prior to opening such facilities to cover operating expenses to be incurred
after the opening of such facilities.
(4.5)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7
percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph
shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this
paragraph (4.5)) amounts as follows: (A) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the
total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of (i) promoting
tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (ii) supporting a facility owned or
operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any
other similar or related purposes; (iii) supporting a facility owned or operated
by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes
or any other similar or related purposes; or (iv) for some combination of such
purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or
contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a
convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General
Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or
through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except
that amounts expended for purpose (iii) may be so expended in any otherwise
lawful manner; and (B) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes
collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of operating, maintaining,
and marketing of a conference center facility.
(4.6)(A)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or
municipality within a county in which a convention center authority has been
created by local Act of the General Assembly and which authority is in existence
on or before July 1, 2001, for the purpose of owning or operating a facility may
levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent. A county or
municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each
fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.6)) an
amount equal to at least 40 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of
5 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade
shows; (B) funding and supporting a facility owned or operated by such
convention and visitors authority; or (C) for some combination of such purposes.
Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with
the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention
center authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a
municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract
or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts
expended for purpose (B) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner
without the necessity of a contract. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph
(4.6) shall terminate not later than December 31, 2037, provided that during any
period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a
facility as contemplated by this paragraph (4.6), and secured in whole or in
part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the
counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this
paragraph (4.6) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state, and no county
or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (4.6) shall cease to
levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the
holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the
holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a
convention center authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such
obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the
contrary, as used in this paragraph (4.6), the terms 'fund' and 'funding' shall
include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local
convention center authority for the construction, renovation, and operation of a
facility including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing,
acquisition, construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or
improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures,
equipment, or facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by a
local convention center authority in connection therewith; 'obligation' shall
include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve
moneys and having an initial term of not more than 37 years; and 'facility'
shall mean a convention center or other facility and any associated parking
areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or
operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes or amusement
purposes, educational purposes, or a combination thereof and for fairs,
expositions, or exhibitions in connection therewith by a local convention center
authority.
(B)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subparagraph, a municipality located
within a standard metropolitan statistical area recognized by the United States
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, which is levying a tax at a rate
of 5 percent pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection on or before January
1, 1999, and in which an interstate highway is located, shall, on and after
April 28, 1999, be authorized to levy and collect a tax under this Code section
at a rate of 6 percent. A municipality levying a tax pursuant to this
subparagraph shall expend, in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected
under this subparagraph, an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes
collected under this subparagraph exceed the taxes which would have been
collected at the rate of 5 percent for the purpose of dispensing information
about the qualities of such municipality and promoting business in the
municipality and to acquire for such use a building located in an area of high
density retail businesses within the limits of such municipality. During any
period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a
facility as contemplated by this subparagraph, and secured in whole or in part
by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the
counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this
subparagraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state, and no county or
municipality levying the tax imposed by this subparagraph shall cease to levy
the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of
any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any
such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a convention
center authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such
obligations.
(4.7)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention
center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and
use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which
tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and is substantially funded by a state
grant or grants authorized on or before January 1, 1996, may levy a tax under
this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a
tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which
the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 28.6 percent of
the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting
tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector
nonprofit organization as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of this
subsection. In addition to the other amounts required to be expended under this
paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph
shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected
under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes
collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of either marketing or
operating trade and convention facilities which are managed or operated by the
Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority. Marketing and
operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such a
facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover
operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such a facility. In the
event such facility is not constructed, such 14.3 percent may be used for any
lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax
pursuant to this paragraph. In addition to the amounts required to be expended
under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this
paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is
collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total
taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of planning,
constructing, marketing, or operating an attraction honoring the inventor of the
cotton gin. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening
marketing program for such facility and an escrow account accrued prior to
opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the
opening of such facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, such
14.3 percent may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the
county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph.
(5)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or
municipality is authorized to levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7
percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph
shall expend an amount equal to at least 51.4 percent of the total taxes
collected prior to July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent and an amount equal to
at least 32.14 percent of the total taxes collected on or after July 1, 1990, at
the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions,
and trade shows; (B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state
authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related
purposes; (C) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local authority or
local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or
related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect
on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in
operation prior to July 1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by
a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or
any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded
or was funded in whole or in part by a grant of state funds; or (E) for some
combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only
through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state
government, a state authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization or
through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except
that amounts expended for those purposes specified in subparagraphs (C) and (D)
of this paragraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner. In
addition to the amounts required to be expended above, a county or municipality
levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph (5) shall further expend (in each
fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (5)) an
amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected prior to July 1, 1990,
at the rate of 7 percent and an amount equal to 39.3 percent of the total taxes
collected on or after July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent toward funding a
multipurpose domed stadium facility. Amounts so expended shall be expended only
through a contract originally with the state, a department or agency of the
state, or a state authority or through a contract or contracts with some
combination of the above. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall
terminate not later than December 31, 2020, provided that during any period
during which there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to
January 1, 1991, issued to fund a multipurpose domed stadium as contemplated by
this paragraph (5), and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax
authorized under this Code section, or any such obligation which is incurred to
refund such an obligation incurred before January 1, 1991, the powers of the
counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this
paragraph (5) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or
municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the
tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any
such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any
such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by an authority of
the state, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations.
(5.1)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the
municipalities within a county in which a coliseum and exhibit hall authority
has been created by local Act of the General Assembly for a county and one or
more municipalities therein, and which local coliseum and exhibit hall authority
is in existence on or before January 1, 1991, and which local coliseum and
exhibit hall authority has not constructed or operated any facility before
January 1, 1991, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 8 percent.
A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend
(in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph
(5.1)) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected
at the rate of 8 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions,
and trade shows; (B) funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating,
improving, and equipping buildings, structures, and facilities, including, but
not limited to, a coliseum, exhibit hall, conference center, performing arts
center, or any combination thereof, for convention, trade show, athletic,
musical, theatrical, cultural, civic, and performing arts purposes and other
events and activities for similar and related purposes, acquiring the necessary
property therefor, both real and personal, and funding all expenses incident
thereto, and supporting, maintaining, and promoting such facilities owned,
operated, or leased by or to the local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a
downtown development authority; or (C) for some combination of such purposes;
provided, however, that at least 50 percent of the total taxes collected at the
rate of 8 percent shall be expended for the purposes specified in subparagraph
(B) of this paragraph (5.1). Amounts so expended shall be expended only
through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state
government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority
created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local
coliseum and exhibit hall authority, a downtown development authority, or a
private sector nonprofit organization or through a contract or contracts with
some combination of such entities, notwithstanding any provision of paragraph
(8) of this subsection to the contrary. The aggregate amount of all excise
taxes imposed under this paragraph (5.1) and all sales and use taxes, and other
taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 13 percent;
provided, however, that any sales tax for educational purposes which is imposed
pursuant to Article VIII, Section VI, Paragraph IV of the Constitution shall not
be included in calculating such limitation. Any tax levied pursuant to this
paragraph (5.1) shall terminate not later than December 31, 2028, provided that
during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued
to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph (5.1), secured in whole or
in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of
the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this
paragraph (5.1) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county
or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (5.1) shall cease to
levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interests and rights of the
holder of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the
holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a
local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a downtown development authority,
shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligation. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this
paragraph (5.1), the term: 'fund' or 'funding' shall include the cost and
expense of all things deemed necessary by a local coliseum and exhibit hall
authority or a downtown development authority for the construction and operation
of a facility or facilities including but not limited to the study, operation,
marketing, acquisition, construction, financing, including the payment of
principal and interest on any obligation of the local coliseum and exhibit hall
authority or the downtown development authority and any obligation of the local
coliseum and exhibit hall authority or the downtown development authority to
refund any prior obligation of the local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or
the downtown development authority, development, extension, enlargement, or
improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures,
equipment, or facilities and the repayment of any obligation incurred by an
authority in connection therewith; 'obligation' shall include bonds, notes, or
any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an
initial term of not more than 37 years; 'facility' or 'facilities' shall mean
any of the buildings, structures, and facilities described in subparagraph (B)
of this paragraph (5.1) and any associated parking areas or improvements
originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of such
facility used for any purpose or purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this
paragraph (5.1) by a local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a downtown
development authority; and 'downtown development authority' shall mean a
downtown development authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for
a municipality pursuant to a local constitutional amendment.
(5.2)(A)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and municipalities within a county in which community auditorium or
theater facilities owned and operated by the municipality have been renovated
which renovations are completed substantially on or before July 1, 1995, and
which county and municipalities have not previously levied a 6 percent tax under
paragraph (4) of this subsection may levy a tax under this Code section at a
rate of 8 percent.
(B)
A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend
(in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an
amount equal to 33 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8
percent under this subparagraph for the purpose of promoting tourism,
conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit
organization defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of this subsection.
(C)
In addition to the amounts required to be expended pursuant to subparagraph (B)
of this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this
paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is
collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total
taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for the purpose of either marketing or
operating community auditorium or theater facilities or community convention or
trade center of which the theater or auditorium is a part. Marketing and
operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such
facilities and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facilities to
cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such facilities.
(D)
In addition to the amounts required to be expended pursuant to subparagraphs (B)
and (C) of this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to
this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is
collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 33 1/3 percent of the total
taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for general recreation purposes.
Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with
a recreation authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.
(5.3)(A)
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county
(within the territorial limits of the special district located within the
county) and municipalities within such a county in which a convention and
visitoŕs
bureau authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly which was
in existence on July 1, 2005, and which authority is established specifically by
such local Act as a permissible, but not exclusive, entity for the transfer of
hotel and motel tax funds by the taxing entities of the county for which such
authority was created may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5
percent.
(B)
The provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection relating to expenditures
shall apply to this paragraph; provided, however, that a county or municipality
levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall be authorized, but not required,
to expend funds through a convention and
visitoŕs
bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.
(6)
At no time shall a county or municipality levy a tax under more than one
paragraph of this subsection. Following the termination of a tax under
paragraph (2.1), (2.2), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4.1), (4.2),
(4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this
subsection, any county or municipality which has levied a tax pursuant to
paragraph (2.1), (2.2), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4.1), (4.2),
(4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this
subsection shall be authorized to levy a tax in the manner and at the rate
authorized by either paragraph (1), paragraph (3), or paragraph (4) of this
subsection but shall not thereafter be authorized to again levy a tax under
paragraph (2.1), (2.2), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4.1), (4.2),
(4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this
subsection.
(7)
As used in this Code section, the term 'fund' and 'funding' shall include the
cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a state authority for the
construction and operation of a multipurpose domed stadium including but not
limited to the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, finance,
development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property,
streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities, and the
repayment of any obligation incurred by an authority in connection therewith.
The term 'obligation' shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an
obligation to pay or reserve moneys incurred prior to January 1, 1991, and
having an initial term of not more than 30 years. The term 'multipurpose domed
stadium facility' shall mean a multipurpose domed stadium facility and any
associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident
to the ownership or operation of a facility used for convention and trade show
purposes by the state, a department or agency of the state, a state authority,
or a combination thereof.
(8)(A)
For purposes of this Code section, a 'private sector nonprofit organization'
shall be a chamber of commerce, a convention and visitors bureau, a regional
travel association, or any other private group organized for similar purposes
which is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986; provided, however, that a county or municipality which has
prior to April 1, 1990, contracted for a required expenditure under this Code
section with a private group which is exempt from federal income tax under
provisions of Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code other than Section
501(c)(6) may continue to contract for required expenditures with such a private
group.
(B)
For purposes of this Code section, 'state authority' shall mean an authority
created by state law which serves a state-wide function including, but not
limited to, the Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority, but
shall not mean an authority created for support of a local government or a local
purpose or function and shall not include authorities such as area planning and
development commissions and any organizational entities they may create,
regional development centers and any organizational entities they may create, or
local water and sewer authorities.
(9)(A)
A county or municipality imposing a tax under paragraph (1), (2), (2.1), (2.2),
(3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4),
(4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall prior
to the imposition of the tax (if the tax is imposed on or after July 1, 1990)
and prior to each fiscal year thereafter in which the tax is imposed adopt a
budget plan specifying how the expenditure requirements of this Code section
will be met. Prior to the adoption of such budget plan, the county or
municipality shall obtain from the authorized entity with which it proposes to
contract to meet the expenditure requirements of this Code section a budget for
expenditures to be made by such organization; and such budget shall be made a
part of the county or municipal budget plan.
(B)(i)
The determination as to whether a county or municipality has complied with the
expenditure requirements of paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2),
(3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6),
(4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall be made for each
fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, as of the end of each fiscal
year, shall be prominently reflected in the audit required under Code Section
36-81-7, and shall disclose:
(I)
The amount of funds expended or contractually committed for expenditure as
provided in paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5),
(3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2),
or (5.3) of this subsection, whichever is applicable, during the fiscal year;
(II)
The amount of tax receipts under this Code section during such fiscal year;
and
(III)
Expenditures as a percentage of tax receipts.
(ii)
A county or municipality contractually expending funds to meet the expenditure
requirements of paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4),
(3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1),
(5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall require the contracting party to
provide audit verification that the contracting party makes use of such funds in
conformity with the requirements of this subsection. If the audit required by
Code Section 36-81-7 identifies noncompliance with the applicable expenditure
requirements of this Code section, such noncompliance shall be reported in
accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 36-81-7. The
state auditor shall report all instances of noncompliance with this subparagraph
noted in the audit report to the Department of Community Affairs upon completion
of the report review required by paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section
36-81-7. The state auditor shall furnish a copy of all documents submitted by
the local government or the local
government́s
auditor pertaining to noncompliance with this subparagraph to the Department of
Revenue. The Department of Community Affairs shall submit a copy of such
documents to the performance review board.
(10)
Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit the power of a county or
municipality to expend more than the required amounts, or all, of the total
taxes collected under this Code section for the purposes described in paragraph
(2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1),
(4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this
subsection.
(11)
Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to impair, or authorize or
require the impairment of, any existing contract or contractual rights.
(12)
Any action by a local governing authority to impose or change the rate of the
tax authorized under this Code section shall become effective no sooner than the
first day of the second month following its adoption by the local governing
authority.
(b)
No tax under this article may be levied or collected by a county outside the
territorial limits of the special district located within the county.