(A) For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, each hotel user is subject to, and shall pay, a tax equal to the following percentage of the rent charged by the operator:
(1) For the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1997, at the rate of seven percent of the rent charged;
(2) For the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1998, at the rate of eight percent of the rent charged;
(3) For the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1999, at the rate of nine percent of the rent charged; and
(4) For the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2000, and for each fiscal year thereafter at the rate of ten percent of the rent charged.
(B) (1) The tax constitutes a debt owed by the hotel user to the town which is extinguished only by payment to the operator or to the town. The hotel user shall pay the tax to the operator of the hotel at the time the rent is paid.
(2) If the rent is paid in installments, a proportionate share of the tax shall be paid with each installment. The unpaid tax shall be due upon the hotel user’s ceasing to occupy space in the hotel.
(3) If, for any reason, the tax due is not paid to the operator of the hotel, the Town Manager may require that such tax shall be paid directly to the Town Manager.
(Prior Code, § 3.32.020) (Ord. 641, passed - -1995; Am. Ord. 669, passed - -1997)