Bill > HB1777

This bill authorizes the City of Ridgeland to levy a special tax on restaurants and hotels/motels to fund improvements to Freedom Ridge Park, with specific provisions and restrictions. The tax would be limited to 1% on restaurant gross proceeds (for establishments with annual sales over $100,000) and 2% on hotel and motel room rentals, which would only apply to lodging facilities with more than 10 rental units. Before implementing the tax, the city must hold a public election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June 2025, where 60% of voters must approve the measure. The tax revenue can only be used for capital improvements to Freedom Ridge Park, Phase II, and must be tracked separately from the city's general fund, with an annual independent audit required. Businesses subject to the tax would collect it at the point of sale and remit it to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, which will then forward the funds to the city. The special tax authorization will automatically expire once all capital improvement payments for the park project have been completed, ensuring the tax is temporary and purpose-specific.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1777.xml