Ackerman voters could approve a restaurant tax for tourism and parks

Ackerman’s mayor and aldermen could set a tax of up to 2% on restaurant sales. It would cover businesses inside Ackerman’s town limits that sell food prepared on site, whether customers eat there or elsewhere. Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and related food services are excluded. The tax would be added to the sale price and collected from customers when they pay, insofar as practicable. The town could levy the tax only if at least 60% of qualified voters who vote approve it. The town would set the start date in its resolution and notify the state at least 30 days before the tax begins. This authority would end after June 30, 2030.

The town would keep the tax money in a separate fund and spend it only on tourism, parks, and recreation. These rules would apply to revenue from the restaurant tax described in the bill. The town would keep separate records and have them audited each year by an independent certified public accountant. The state revenue department would collect the tax and send the proceeds to the town, less any amount it may retain under state law. The state would pay the town by the 15th day of the month after collecting the tax.