Lauderdale County; Economic Development Authority and Economic Development Authority Fund established, county commission authorized to levy additional sales and use tax

This bill creates the Lauderdale County Economic Development Authority to support existing businesses, attract new industries, and coordinate economic development efforts across the county. The authority will be governed by a five-member board appointed by the county commission, which can hire an executive director and manage funds through a new Economic Development Authority Fund. To finance these efforts, the bill authorizes the county commission to levy an additional sales and use tax of up to 0.75 percent, with proceeds deposited into the fund and exempting already tax-exempt businesses from the new tax. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026.