The City of Griffin Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the second reading Aug, 28, which City Attorney Drew Whalen said last month was “to bring the hotel/motel tax up to snuff.”
Except for minor revisions, Whalen said the ordinance has not been updated substantially since 1968. A line in the current code, about a page and a half in total, states “the excise tax established in this article shall be payable on all lodging furnished from an dafter June 1, 1975.”
The updated version, eight pages total, expands definitions, defines the tax rate, outlines collection, provides for exemptions, sets terms for payments, record keeping requirements and criminal penalties. The excise tax remains at 7 percent of the amount of rent per room unless there is an exception.
The exceptions include state and local government officials and employees and foreign sovereigns staying on official business, with proof in writing or paying with state or local government issued credit card. There are also exception for those staying for more than 30 days, and those staying as a result of their residence being destroyed by fire or other casualty.
Occupancy provided without charge in money is also not subject to the tax.
Is it because some people are trying to define griffin, ga as the new hollywood, because if that's the case I am for it, but its not, this is a waste of tax payer's time, dollars and ink in the paper.
Well, that's what the kids say these days.