Ga. Senate OKs Extending Hotel Tax With Perks

The Associate Press  April 13, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia Senate has approved an extension of the hotel tax until 2050 in a move that could be used to help build a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons and help the city of Macon's music and sports halls of fame.

The 7 percent tax levied on hotels and motels in Atlanta was set to expire in 2020. The tax helps pay debt service for the Georgia Dome, where the Falcons play their home games. The amendment allows Macon and Bibb County to add a penny to its hotel and motel tax to help the struggling museums. It passed 22-20.

There's been talk of the Falcons abandoning the 18-year-old dome for the suburbs.

The bill passed the Senate 42-4, but the Bibb County amendment is expected to be rejected when it heads back to the House.