(a)(1)(A) The governing authority of each municipality in this state may levy and collect an excise tax upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by, or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the municipality for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly furnished for value. Within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county, each county in this state may levy and collect an excise tax upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by, or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the county for operating within the special district a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly furnished for value. The provisions of this Code section shall control over the provisions of any local ordinance or resolution to the contrary enacted pursuant to Code Section 48-13-53 and in effect prior to July 1, 1998. Any such ordinance shall not be deemed repealed by this Code section but shall be administered in conformity with this Code section.

(B)(i) The excise tax shall be imposed on any person or legal entity licensed by or required to pay a business or occupation tax to the governing authority imposing the tax for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly furnished for value and shall apply to the furnishing for value of any room, lodging, or accommodation. Every person or entity subject to a tax levied as provided in this Code section shall, except as provided in this Code section, be liable for the tax at the applicable rate on the lodging charges actually collected or, if the amount of taxes collected from the hotel or motel guest is in excess of the total amount that should have been collected, the total amount actually collected must be remitted.

(ii) Any tax levied as provided in this Code section is also imposed upon every person or entity who is a hotel or motel guest and who receives a room, lodging, or accommodation that is subject to the tax levied under this Code section. Every such guest subject to the tax levied under this Code section shall pay the tax to the person or entity providing the room, lodging, or accommodation. The tax shall be a debt of the person obtaining the room, lodging, or accommodation to the person or entity providing such room, lodging, or accommodation until it is paid and shall be recoverable at law by the person or entity providing such room, lodging, or accommodation in the same manner as authorized for the recovery of other debts. The person or entity collecting the tax from the hotel or motel guest shall remit the tax to the governing authority imposing the tax, and the tax remitted shall be a credit against the tax imposed by division (i) of this subparagraph on the person or entity providing the room, lodging, or accommodation. (C)(i) The tax authorized by this Code section shall not apply to charges made for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations provided to any persons who certify that they are staying in such room, lodging, or accommodation as a result of the destruction of their home or residence by fire or other casualty. The tax authorized by this Code section shall apply to the fees or charges for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations during the first ten days of continuous occupancy and shall not apply to charges imposed for any continuous occupancy thereafter. The tax authorized by this Code section shall not apply to charges made for the use of meeting rooms and other such facilities or to any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations provided without charge.

(ii) The tax authorized by this Code section shall not apply to the charges for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished for a period of one or more days for use by Georgia state or local governmental officials or employees when traveling on official business. Notwithstanding the availability of any other means of identifying the person as a state or local government official or employee, whenever a person pays for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations with a state or local government credit or debit card, such rooms, lodgings, or accommodations shall be deemed to have been furnished for use by a Georgia state or local government official or employee traveling on official business for purposes of the exemption provided by this division.

(D) Except as provided in paragraphs (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), and (5.2) of this subsection, no tax levied pursuant to this Code section shall be levied or collected at a rate exceeding 3 percent of the charge to the public for the furnishings.

(2) A county or municipality levying a tax as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall in each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, expend for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows a percentage of the total taxes collected under this Code section which is not less than the percentage of such tax collections expended for such purposes during the immediately preceding fiscal year. In addition, if during such immediately preceding fiscal year any portion of such tax receipts was expended for such purposes through a grant to or a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, then in each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, at least the same percentage shall be expended through a contract or contracts with one or more such entities for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows. The expenditure requirements of this paragraph shall cease to apply to a county or municipality which levies a tax at a rate in excess of 3 percent, as authorized under paragraphs (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), and (5.2) of this subsection; and in such case the expenditure requirements of such paragraph of this subsection pursuant to which such tax is levied shall apply instead.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3)) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds; (E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended and if such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or (F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purposes (C) and (D) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner.

(3.1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center authority has been created by intergovernmental contract between a county and one or more municipalities located therein, and which trade and convention center authority is in existence on or before March 21, 1988, and which trade and convention center authority has not constructed or operated any facility before March 21, 1988, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.1)) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping buildings, structures, and facilities, including, but not limited to, a trade and convention center, exhibit hall, conference center, performing arts center, accommodations facilities including food service, or any combination thereof, for convention, trade show, athletic, musical, theatrical, cultural, civic, and performing arts purposes and other events and activities for similar and related purposes, acquiring the necessary property therefor, both real and personal, and funding all expenses incident thereto, and supporting, maintaining, and promoting such facilities owned, operated, or leased by or to the local trade and convention center authority; or (C) for some combination of such purposes; provided, however, that at least 50 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent shall be expended for the purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph (3.1). Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local building authority created by local constitutional amendment, and a trade and convention center authority created by intergovernmental contract between a county and one or more municipalities located therein, or a private sector nonprofit organization or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities. The aggregate amount of all excise taxes imposed under this paragraph (3.1) and all sales and use taxes, and other taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 13 percent. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph (3.1) shall terminate not later than December 31, 2029, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph (3.1), secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph (3.1) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (3.1) shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interests and rights of the holder of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a building authority created by local constitutional amendment, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph (3.1), the term: "fund" or "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a building authority created by local constitutional amendment for the construction and operation of a facility or facilities including but not limited to the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, financing, including the payment of principal and interest on any obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment and any obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment to refund any prior obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities and the repayment of any obligation incurred by an authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more than 37 years; and "facility" or "facilities" shall mean any of the buildings, structures, and facilities described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph (3.1) and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of such facility used for any purpose or purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph (3.1) by a building authority created by local constitutional amendment.

(3.2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and is substantially funded by a state grant or grants authorized on or before January 1, 1996, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.2)) an amount equal to 33 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of this subsection. In addition to the amounts required to be expended above, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.2)) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating trade and convention facilities. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such a facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such a facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, collected funds may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph.

(3.3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and which facility was completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1994, and which county and municipalities have not previously levied a 6 percent tax under paragraph (4) of this subsection, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.3) an amount which is equal to (A) an amount which is not less than the amount which would have been spent if the tax rate had not been increased to 6 percent and if the same percentage of tax collections expended for such purposes during the immediately preceding fiscal year were expended for such purposes during the current fiscal year plus (B) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent.

(3.4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds; (E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and if such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or (F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for the purposes specified in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of this paragraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner. In addition to the amounts otherwise required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities.

(3.5) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a local consolidated government (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county the boundary of which is conterminous with that of such local consolidated government) may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.5)) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows through a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization. In addition to the amounts thus required to be expended, a local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (3.5)) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of supporting a civic center owned and operated by the local consolidated government.

(3.6) Reserved.

(3.7)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of:

(i) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(ii) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(iii) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987;

(iv) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds;

(v) Supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended and if such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or

(vi) For some combination of such purposes.

(B) Amounts expended pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended pursuant to division (iii) or (iv) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner.

(C) In addition to the amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph and in which an international horse park used in Olympic Games competition is in operation prior to January 1, 1999, shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of constructing, developing, supporting, and operating a nature center, nature park, wetlands education center, or nature museum for educational and recreational purposes or any other similar purposes. Amounts which are expended to meet the 16 2/3 percent expenditure requirement of this subparagraph shall not be subject to the provisions of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with certain entities.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4)) an amount equal to at least 43 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds; (E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or (F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purposes (C) and (D) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner. In addition to the amounts required to be expended above, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph (4) shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4)) an amount equal to at least 1 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of supporting a museum of aviation and aviation hall of fame or an amount equal to at least 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of construction or expansion of either: (A) a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (B) a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if such support is provided to a governmental entity with which the county or municipality levying the tax had in effect on January 1, 1987, a contractual agreement concerning governmental support of a convention and trade show facility; (C) a facility owned or operated for convention and trade show purposes, visitor welcome center purposes, or any other similar or related purposes by a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality; (D) a facility owned or operated for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes by a coliseum and exhibit hall authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a county and one or more municipalities therein; (E) a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; (F) a system of bicycle or pedestrian trails or walkways or both connecting a historic district within the levying county or municipality and surrounding areas (and with respect to this purpose (F) construction and expansion shall include acquisition and development), if not later than December 1, 1993, the county or municipality has adopted ordinances, resolutions, or contracts which: (i) designate such historic district; (ii) obligate the county or municipality to provide funds to promote tourism to a historic district owners and business association which qualifies as a private sector nonprofit organization under subparagraph (a)(8)(A) of this Code section and Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iii) provide a "comprehensive plan" as provided for in Chapters 70 and 71 of Title 36; (iv) provide a transportation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan; and (v) provide a recreation plan which is designed to identify recreation needs through the year 2000 and which includes provisions for such system of trails or walkways or both; provided that the authority to expend funds for such system of trails or walkways or both shall expire when all capital costs of the initial acquisition, construction, and development of such system as identified in the relevant plan have been paid and in no event later than July 1, 2002. Amounts so expended to meet such 16 2/3 percent expenditure requirement shall not be subject to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with certain entities; or (G) a system of bicycle or pedestrian greenways, trails, walkways, or any combination thereof connecting a downtown historic or business district within the levying county or municipality and surrounding areas (and with respect to this purpose (G) construction and expansion shall include acquisition and development), if not later than December 1, 2000, the county or municipality has adopted ordinances, resolutions, or contracts which: (i) designate such historic or downtown business district; (ii) obligate the county or municipality to provide funds to promote tourism to a downtown business district owners and business association or chamber of commerce which qualify as private sector nonprofit organizations under subparagraph (a)(8)(A) of this Code section and Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iii) provide a "comprehensive plan" as provided for in Chapters 70 and 71 of Title 36; (iv) provide a transportation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan; and (v) provide a recreation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan which includes provisions for such system of trails or walkways or both; provided that the authority to expend funds for such system of trails or walkways or both shall expire when all capital costs of the initial acquisition, construction, and development of such system as identified in the relevant plan have been paid and in no event later than July 1, 2005. Amounts so expended to meet such 16 2/3 percent expenditure requirement shall not be subject to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with certain entities.

(4.1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality within a county in which a coliseum authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly and which authority is in existence on or before July 1, 1963, for the purpose of owning or operating a facility, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.1)) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) funding and supporting a facility owned or operated by such coliseum authority; or (C) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local coliseum authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purpose (B) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner without the necessity of a contract. The aggregate amount of all excise taxes imposed under this paragraph (4.1) and all sales and use taxes, and other taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 12 percent. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph (4.1) shall terminate not later than December 31, 2028, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to January 1, 1995, issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph (4.1), and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph (4.1) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (4.1) shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a coliseum and exhibit hall authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph (4.1), the term: "fund" and "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local coliseum authority for the construction, renovation, and operation of a facility including but not limited to the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by a local coliseum authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys incurred prior to January 1, 1995, and having an initial term of not more than 30 years; and "facility" shall mean a coliseum or other facility and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes or amusement purposes, educational purposes, or a combination thereof and for fairs, expositions, or exhibitions in connection therewith by a local coliseum authority.

(4.2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a local consolidated government (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county the boundary of which is conterminous with that of such local consolidated government) may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.2)) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent as follows: an amount equal to 28.58 of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows through a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization, an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly, or through a contract or contracts with any combination of such entities; an amount equal to 14.29 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of supporting a civic center owned or operated, or both, by the local consolidated government; and an amount equal to 14.29 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of maintaining and operating a performing arts facility.

(4.3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.3)) amounts as follows: an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows which amount shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities; and an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of supporting a conference and convention center facility or similar facility owned or operated by an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for convention and conference center purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on or prior to July 1, 1997, and if such conference and convention center facility or similar facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 2001, which amounts shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state or an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.

(4.4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and municipalities within a county in which community auditorium or theater facilities owned and operated by the municipality or by a local authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for such purpose have been renovated which renovations are completed substantially on or before January 1, 2000, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.4)) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of this subsection; and an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating community auditorium or theater facilities or a community convention or trade center of which the theater or auditorium is a part. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such facilities and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facilities to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such facilities.

(4.5) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.5)) amounts as follows: (A) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of (i) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (ii) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (iii) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; or (iv) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purpose (iii) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner; and (B) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of operating, maintaining, and marketing of a conference center facility.

(4.6)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality within a county in which a convention center authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly and which authority is in existence on or before July 1, 2001, for the purpose of owning or operating a facility may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (4.6)) an amount equal to at least 40 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 5 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) funding and supporting a facility owned or operated by such convention and visitors authority; or (C) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention center authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purpose (B) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner without the necessity of a contract. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph (4.6) shall terminate not later than December 31, 2037, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph (4.6), and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph (4.6) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state, and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph (4.6) shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a convention center authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph (4.6), the terms "fund" and "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local convention center authority for the construction, renovation, and operation of a facility including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by a local convention center authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more than 37 years; and "facility" shall mean a convention center or other facility and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes or amusement purposes, educational purposes, or a combination thereof and for fairs, expositions, or exhibitions in connection therewith by a local convention center authority.

(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subparagraph, a municipality located within a standard metropolitan statistical area recognized by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, which is levying a tax at a rate of 5 percent pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection on or before January 1, 1999, and in which an interstate highway is located, shall, on and after April 28, 1999, be authorized to levy and collect a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A municipality levying a tax pursuant to this subparagraph shall expend, in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this subparagraph, an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this subparagraph exceed the taxes which would have been collected at the rate of 5 percent for the purpose of dispensing information about the qualities of such municipality and promoting business in the municipality and to acquire for such use a building located in an area of high density retail businesses within the limits of such municipality. During any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this subparagraph, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this subparagraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state, and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this subparagraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a convention center authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations.

(4.7) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and is substantially funded by a state grant or grants authorized on or before January 1, 1996, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 28.6 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8) of this subsection. In addition to the other amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating trade and convention facilities which are managed or operated by the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such a facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such a facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, such 14.3 percent may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph. In addition to the amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of planning, constructing, marketing, or operating an attraction honoring the inventor of the cotton gin. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, such 14.3 percent may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality is authorized to levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend an amount equal to at least 51.4 percent of the total taxes collected prior to July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent and an amount equal to at least 32.14 percent of the total taxes collected on or after July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; (C) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987; (D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded in whole or in part by a grant of state funds; or (E) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for those purposes specified in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of this paragraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner. In addition to the amounts required to be expended above, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph (5) shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (5)) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected prior to July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent and an amount equal to 39.3 percent of the total taxes collected on or after July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent toward funding a multipurpose domed stadium facility. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract originally with the state, a department or agency of the state, or a state authority or through a contract or contracts with some combination of the above. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2020, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to January 1, 1991, issued to fund a multipurpose domed stadium as contemplated by this paragraph (5), and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, or any such obligation which is incurred to refund such an obligation incurred before January 1, 1991, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph (5) shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by an authority of the state, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations.

(5.1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a coliseum and exhibit hall authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly for a county and one or more municipalities therein, and which local coliseum and exhibit hall authority is in existence on or before January 1, 1991, and which local coliseum and exhibit hall authority has not constructed or operated any facility before January 1, 1991, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 8 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph (5.1)) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for the purpose of: (A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; (B) funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping buildings, structures, and facilities, including, but not limited to, a coliseum, exhibit hall, conference center, performing arts center, or any combination thereof, for convention, trade show, athletic, musical, theatrical, cultural, civic, and performing arts purposes and other events and activities for similar and related purposes, acquiring the necessary propert