1705.02 RATE OF TAX.

   (a)    Commencing on July 1, 1997, or as soon thereafter as permitted by law, there is levied a tax of three percent (3%) on all rents received by a hotel for lodging furnished to transient guests, with total receipts applied as follows:

       (1)    Two percent (2%) of the funds received shall be charged as an administrative-collection fee and retained in the general fund to defray costs associated with the imposition and administration of the tax.

(2)   The remaining ninety-eight percent (98%) of tax receipts shall be deposited in a fund designated for promoting economic development.

   (b)    This tax constitutes a debt owed by the transient guest to the City which is extinguished only by payment to the operator as trustee for the City, or to the City. The transient guest shall pay the tax to the operator of the hotel at the time the rent is paid. 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 transient guest ceasing to occupy space in the hotel.

   If for any reason the tax due is not paid to the operator of the hotel, the Director may require that the tax be paid directly to the Director.

(Ord. 2023-30. Passed 11-20-23.)