Jackson County; extend repeal date on county's hotel/motel tourism tax.

Jackson County hotel tax extended

Jackson County’s authority to levy a 2% tax on overnight hotel and motel room charges runs through July 1, 2030. The law took effect upon passage. The tax is added to other taxes and applies only after at least 60% of qualified voters voting in a county referendum approve it. It excludes charges for food, phone, laundry, drinks, similar items, and daytime meeting rooms not used for overnight stays. Mississippi collects the tax and pays the money to the county for tourism promotion. The county may fund the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau or another tourism group. If funds go to the Bureau, the county keeps separate records and gets an annual independent audit; it must give 120 days’ notice before ending Bureau funding.