The Senoia City Council last week tabled a proposed ordinance that would establish a Hotel/Motel Excise Tax. Tabled until the proposal can be researched further, the ordinance is expected to surface again in the near future.
As written, the tax would carry a rate of 3 percent on the price of room rental and would apply to a variety of lodging accommodations. Senoia currently has only bed and breakfast businesses and no hotels or motels.
There would be a few exceptions to the ordinance, such as a guest who stays at the lodging for more than 30 continuous days or a person who uses a lodging place due to his residence being destroyed by a fire or other casualty.
Councilman Maurice Glover last week made a motion to table the discussion until more in-depth planning could be accomplished. Council members agreed by unanimous vote. City Administrator Richard Ferry asked council members to submit their thoughts and questions as part of the planning process.
City attorney Drew Whalen prior to the vote noted that a 3 percent room tax is the minimum amount levied, adding that the proposal is a standard ordinance recommended by the Ga. Municipal Association.
The revised proposal is expected to be taken up by the council in the near future.
