Scott council adopts three ordinances including 5% hotel tax and 1% sales tax, effective Jan. 1, 2024

The Scott City Council voted unanimously Dec. 7 to adopt three ordinances that change city fines and taxes and take effect Jan. 1, 2024. Councilman Montoucet moved to adopt Ordinance 2023-20 amending section 8-113 of the Scott Municipal Code and Appendix C, the schedule of fines and penalties; the motion passed with no discussion.

Councilman Boudreaux then moved to adopt Ordinance 2023-21, imposing a 5% tax on the rent or fee charged for hotel-room occupancy within the city, effective Jan. 1, 2024; Councilman Domingue seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Councilman Moreau moved to adopt Ordinance 2023-22, levying a 1% sales and use tax on retail sales, leases, rentals, consumption and storage for use or consumption in the city, also effective Jan. 1, 2024; the council said the tax was authorized by a special election held Oct. 14, 2023, and the measure passed with a unanimous vote.

The ordinances were adopted without substantive debate. The council did not discuss projected revenue estimates or specific allocations for the new taxes during the meeting. The ordinances will be enforced by the city beginning Jan. 1, 2024, per the adoption language recorded in the minutes.

The council adjourned routine business after the votes; the ordinances will be included in the City of Scott municipal code and communicated to local businesses and lodging providers as required by city procedure.