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Bryan County adopts 3% hotel‑motel excise tax for unincorporated county
Summary
On second reading the commission adopted a 3% hotel and motel excise tax for unincorporated Bryan County, citing Georgia law that permits 3%, 5% or 8% rates; staff noted initial 3% funds have no spending restrictions until used for tourism promotion.
The Bryan County Commission on voice vote adopted an amendment to the county code to add a 3% hotel and motel excise tax for properties in unincorporated Bryan County.
Staff said Georgia law permits counties to impose hotel‑motel excise taxes at 3%, 5% or 8% and that Bryan County meets the statutory requirements to propose 3% at this time. The presenter explained that at the 3% level initial revenues have no statutory spending restrictions, but once any portion is used for tourism promotion the allocation rules change and could permit the county to consider a higher rate in the future via ordinance amendment.
The ordinance was presented on second reading with staff recommendation to adopt. A commissioner moved to approve the amendment to Chapter 26 (Taxation), Article 3; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
The adopted change adds an excise tax mechanism for lodging providers in the unincorporated county; staff did not specify an expected annual revenue estimate at the meeting nor list an immediate, restricted spending plan for the receipts.
