UPDATE | December 13, 2022 - The Board of Commissioners voted to extend the agreement during their meeting on December 13.

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Cobb’s Board to consider extending hotel/motel tax agreement with the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority
Extension expected to increase and expand options for the revenue in the county

Cobb’s Board of Commissioners will consider an extension to its current agreement with the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority (the “Authority”) on the use of hotel/motel tax revenue in the county.  The current agreement was set to expire in 2026 when bonds to finance the Galleria Convention Project will mature.

County leaders say the new agreement through 2053 will authorize the continued use of the hotel/motel tax and continue the current split between the Authority and the county.*  However, with the expiration of the Galleria bonds in 2026 and the Performing Arts Center bonds in 2029, the agreement could make more resources available for the county.

Cobb Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said any additional resources could be redirected to promote countywide tourism.

“We recognize the tremendous value of the Cumberland area and the assets there when it comes to attracting people to visit Cobb,” Cupid said.  “We also recognize there are tremendous assets across the county, and this new agreement could provide us with more resources to highlight better the attractions and destinations in all corners of Cobb.”

Another option could be the continued paydown of stadium debt. Hotel/Motel collections in non-pandemic years had exceeded expectations and helped the county ease the stadium debt burden on the general fund.

The board will consider this extension during its 9 a.m. meeting on Dec. 13.

*Currently, the split has the Authority receiving 62.5% of the revenue, with the county receiving 37.5%.